The majority of Germans are in favor of a reduced value-added tax for food items. A Forsa survey for the “Stern” magazine found that 61% of respondents are in favor of reducing the value-added tax rate for food from 7 to 5%.
36% of those surveyed do not think this is a good idea, and 3% remained neutral. The support for the proposed tax reduction is particularly high among those with a net monthly household income below 2,500 euros, with 75% in favor. Even among those with higher incomes (above 4,000 euros), 53% are in favor.
When analyzing the results by party affiliation, significant differences emerge. Only FDP voters are predominantly against the tax reduction, with 55% opposed. CDU/CSU voters are split, with 49% in favor and 49% against. There are clear majorities in favor of cheaper food among SPD, Green, and AfD supporters, with 68%, 64%, and 57% respectively in favor.
The highest level of support is among the voters of the alliance of Sahra Wagenknecht, with 78% in favor of the tax reduction.
The data was collected by the market and opinion research institute Forsa for the “Stern” magazine and RTL Germany on December 12 and 13, 2024, among 1,002 respondents.