CDU/CSU parliamentary leader opposes current plastic tax bill

CDU/CSU parliamentary leader Thorsten Frei said Germany's plastic tax bill could not be approved in its current form, Bild reported.

The proposal provides for a levy of 550 euros per tonne of plastic used in packaging. Germany's government had planned to introduce it in 2027.

Frei said scrutiny of the bill must consider benefits and costs for private businesses as well as for the state.

According to Bild, opposition from around two dozen lawmakers deprives the CDU/CSU and Social Democratic coalition of a majority of its own for passing this bill. The newspaper puts the coalition's overall parliamentary margin at 12 votes.

The plastic levy was initially intended to pass alongside a tax on high-sugar drinks. Parliamentary support for that second proposal also remains uncertain, Bild reported.