Jens Spahn, the CDU spokesman for the parliamentary group, suggested that the state could completely eliminate the value‑added tax on basic foods as part of an overall reform. “In a comprehensive package I can well imagine lowering the VAT on basic groceries to zero” he told “Welt am Sonntag”. Spahn said this would help curb the inflation that has started to climb again amid the Iran conflict, which has pushed oil and fuel prices higher.
He added that low‑income households spend a large share of their income on daily necessities-particularly rent and food-and that VAT does not apply to rent. Exempting basic foods from the current 7 % rate (the standard rate is 19 %) could provide a meaningful social balance.
Spahn cautioned that the final decision would depend on the entire scheme. The measure might be paired with an overall increase in VAT to address the federal deficit, a possibility he acknowledges is under discussion within the coalition. “There are a number of proposals that we will look at together right now” he said of the current plans to change the VAT. “There are strong economic arguments for a VAT increase and strong political arguments against it. We will weigh those internally first and then with the media”.