Berlin – September 09, 2026 -- The Bundesverband der Tabakwirtschaft und neuartiger Erzeugnisse (BVTE) has called on Germany's coalition government to halt planned tobacco tax increases that would raise average smokers' annual costs by more than 1,000 euros, citing voter unrest after the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
Infratest dimap data shows 89% of AfD voters fear unaffordable price increases
An infratest dimap analysis of the Saxony-Anhalt election found that 89 percent of AfD voters worry that rising prices will make it impossible to pay their bills, while 80 percent fear they can no longer maintain their standard of living. BVTE Managing Director Jan Mücke said the election result must be understood in Berlin as a signal that further tax increases contradict public sentiment.
Smoking prevalence in Saxony-Anhalt reaches 24.4%, above the 19.1% national average
According to the 2025 Mikrozensus, smoking prevalence in Saxony-Anhalt stands at 24.4 percent, compared with a national average of 19.1 percent, making the region particularly exposed to tobacco tax changes.
Planned tax hikes would push a cigarette pack price to 11.78 euros by 2030
The BVTE warns that the scheduled increases would drive the price of a standard pack of cigarettes to 11.78 euros by 2030, a level it says risks strengthening illegal trade and pushing consumers toward cross-border purchases in neighboring countries. The association argues this could undermine the government's projected tax revenue gains.
BVTE demands CDU/CSU and SPD stick to the coalition's agreed tax growth path
The CDU, CSU and SPD had agreed in their coalition contract to continue a moderate tobacco tax adjustment path, the so-called "Aufwuchspfad," beyond 2026 without exceeding it. Mücke said now is the wrong time to tighten the tax further, urging the government to preserve purchasing power rather than extract more revenue through additional levies.