Bavarian Parliament Rejects Deafness Allowance

The Bavarian cabinet has abandoned plans to introduce a levy on sugary beverages starting the year after next. Environment Minister Thorsten Glauber of the Free Voters cited that 90 percent of such regulations are determined at federal and European levels. A legislative change must first be introduced and debated in the state parliament. The SPD party described the decision as a political setback. Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Aiwanger criticized a proposed sugar tax on sweetened beverages, calling the measure 'stupidity squared' if used to fill budget holes. The plan aims to generate 450 million euros annually starting in 2028. Bavarian Minister-President Söder defended the health reform including the sugar levy during a discussion. The Bavarian Landtag recently rejected the introduction of a deafness allowance.