Left Party pushes for zero VAT on food to combat soaring grocery costs
Jan van Aken, leader of the Left Party, has urged the government to cut VAT on food immediately. He warns that soaring fuel prices and corporate greed are pushing food costs to dangerous levels. His proposal aims to ease the financial burden on struggling households across the country. Van Aken has called for a drastic reduction in value-added tax (VAT) on essential groceries. He wants staple foods taxed at zero percent, with other food items dropping to seven percent. The move, he argues, would offer quick relief to families already stretched by rising living costs.
The politician also demanded the creation of a government agency to monitor food pricing. His concern centres on corporations exploiting the crisis to inflate profits at the expense of ordinary people. Without intervention, he warns, an 'explosion in food costs' could push many into deeper financial hardship. His appeal comes as a task force from the CDU/CSU and SPD prepares to meet. The group will discuss the economic fallout from the Iran conflict, including the sharp increase in food prices. Van Aken has directly urged CDU leader Friedrich Merz and SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil to take swift action on his proposals.
The Left Party's plan focuses on two key measures: slashing VAT and establishing price oversight. If implemented, these steps could lower grocery bills for millions. The government's next moves will determine whether food remains affordable during the ongoing economic strain.
