Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister-President Daniel Günther is spearheading a push for a nationwide sugar tax and defending a controversial new law targeting extremism within the public sector, signaling a broader conservative agenda focused on both public health and perceived national security. Günther, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Schleswig-Holstein, intends to formally launch a legislative initiative for the sugar tax in the first quarter of next year, with a parallel motion expected at the CDU’s national convention in February.
Günther argues the measure is both economically and politically overdue, citing the significant public health costs associated with excessive sugar consumption. While expressing a preference for voluntary industry action, he conceded, “We aren’t there yet” implying a belief that governmental intervention is now unavoidable. Critics have already begun to question the effectiveness of a sugar tax, pointing to potential regressive impacts on lower-income households and the risk of consumers simply shifting to alternative, potentially unhealthy products. Economists are poised to scrutinize projections regarding revenue generation and overall impact on the food industry.
Simultaneously, Günther is defending the Schleswig-Holstein government’s recently unveiled law mandating systematic reviews by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz) for prospective public servants. The law, described by some as overly broad, has drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates who argue it risks creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression and potentially stigmatizing individuals based on political affiliations.
Günther staunchly defends the measure, asserting that public servants wield considerable responsibility and must demonstrably uphold the values of the free and democratic basic order. He framed the new law as a proactive safeguard against extremism from “all directions” emphasizing its intended purpose of bolstering public trust and protecting the integrity of state institutions. However, the blanket screening process has raised concerns about potential for political bias and the erosion of the presumption of innocence, prompting calls for greater transparency and judicial oversight of the Verfassungsschutz’s activities. The move underscores a deepening trend within German conservative circles towards stricter oversight and security measures, highlighting a complex interplay of public welfare concerns and potential implications for civil liberties.