German Green Party Pushes for Sugar Tax to Combat Child Obesity

Dorothea Frederking, spokesperson for agricultural policy of the Green Party in Sachsen-Anhalt, has called for the implementation of a sugar tax as a means to promote healthy eating and protect children from the surge in obesity. In a speech at the state parliament, Frederking pointed to positive experiences from the United Kingdom where a sugar tax has effectively reduced sugar consumption. She emphasized that healthy eating should be an easy choice, but children often lack access to healthy alternatives and are exposed to aggressive marketing of sugary products.

Frederking stressed that relying on voluntary industry commitments is insufficient and harms children, stating, "Those who speak of personal responsibility must also ensure real freedom of choice. As long as healthy alternatives are absent from the shelves, personal responsibility is not possible." The National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina has also backed a clear strategy to combat obesity, including a sugar tax, highlighting the high societal costs and impact on children's health.

The Green Party in Sachsen-Anhalt urges support for a federal initiative led by Schleswig-Holstein for a nationwide sugar tax on sugary drinks. Frederking framed the sugar tax not as an intrusion but as "an invitation to take responsibility," protecting children’s health and enabling families to make better dietary choices. She warned that ignoring the issue would mean prioritizing industry profits over the well-being of future generations.

At the recent Green Week, local food producers demonstrated that reducing sugar content does not require compromising taste, reinforcing the feasibility of healthier options. The debate in Germany reflects growing concern over childhood obesity and the effectiveness of fiscal measures to encourage healthier consumption.

As of February 2026, advocacy for a sugar tax is gaining momentum within German politics, particularly among the Greens, aligning with scientific recommendations to curb obesity through regulatory measures rather than voluntary industry actions.