Amid growing financial difficulties within the healthcare system and new cost-saving proposals from an expert commission, a slight majority of German citizens favor increasing taxes on tobacco and alcoholic beverages. According to a survey conducted by the public opinion research institute Insa for “Bild am Sonntag” 51% of respondents support higher levies on cigarettes and spirits intended to alleviate financial burdens on the healthcare system. Conversely, 43% oppose such tax increases, and 6% were undecided.
Public opinion is less clear regarding a potential tax on sugary drinks, revealing a mixed picture: 48% are in favor, while 47% are against, and 5% stated no opinion. Opinion leans more favorably for a general sugar tax, which would reportedly be supported by 52%-provided that the value-added tax on staple foods were simultaneously eliminated. Meanwhile, 39% reject this measure, and 9% provided no answer.
In addition to needing extra revenue, the discussion covers structural reforms. Nearly half of the respondents (49%) support the long-term implementation of only a statutory health insurance system, compared to 37% who disagree and 14% who remain undecided. The public opinion research institute Insa surveyed 1,001 people for “Bild am Sonntag” on April 1st and 2nd, 2026.