Agricultural policy
New minister: state price surcharges on meat taboo
In the traffic lights, a slight increase in VAT on meat was discussed. The designated CSU agricultural minister Alois Rainer does not think of political interventions in pricing.
The Agricultural Minister in Spe, Alois Rainer (CSU), has rejected the idea of a possible increase in VAT on meat products. “In the coalition agreement, it was agreed that no tax increases will be carried out. I will stick to this as the future minister,” said the trained butcher of the “Bild” newspaper.
The outgoing Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens) had spoken out for meat for meat for an easy increase in VAT last summer – and thus took up a proposal by farmers’ president Joachim Rukwied. This had proposed to increase the VAT on meat from previously reduced seven percent to nine or ten percent, but not to the full set of 19 percent.
CSU party leader Markus Söder had said at Rainer’s idea as a designated agricultural minister, “instead of the green, vegan Özdemir, the black butcher is now coming. Now there is liver cheese again instead of tofu-tümelei.”
Are falling meat prices possible?
The plans for an increased tax were discussed at the time within the government coalition, but were not implemented. Since 2020, a concept of a commission led by ex-agricultural minister Jochen Borchert (CDU) that suggests a higher VAT or animal welfare on animal products.
Rainer now speaks against possible state price premiums for meat. Instead, he indicates that he considers falling meat prices possible: “I am a big friend of the social market economy. That means: meat prices does not make the minister, but the market,” said Rainer.
The CSU politician also commented on nutrition in schools and kindergartens. A balanced diet is important to him. Meat and vegetarian dishes should be on the menu as well as fruit and vegetables.
dpa
Source: Stern
