German government proposes tax on sugary products, but the list covers even 'light' and 'zero' products
extra27 August 2026 at 07:02
The German government, under the management of the Finance Ministry of Lars Klingbeil, has proposed a new tax on sweetened beverages that goes far beyond traditional sodas, covering "zero" and "light" versions, plant-based alternatives, ready-to-drink coffees, iced teas, and even non-alcoholic wines and beers. The measure, expected for 2027, is controversial for taxing equally products with sugar and artificial sweeteners, and may affect even oat-based drinks without added sugar due to the natural sugars in the composition. The charge will be calculated in three levels according to sugar content.
The Portuguese prime minister, Luís Montenegro, announced that he would only proceed with the Social Security reform after including it in an electoral program submitted to suffrage, but expressed the desire to achieve a "national understanding" through a pact between various parties. In his speech, Montenegro also promised to exercise "patience" and "tolerance" in the relationship with the opposition, signaling a cooperative approach to negotiating one of the country's most sensitive structural reforms.
André Ventura, during a visit to "alert political power," accused the Government of "failure" in resolving post-Kristin problems, considering that the delay represents "the State's failure" and that the most affected populations "were forgotten."
The children and families of Rio Covo Santa Eulália, in Barcelos, now have a new Children's Playground and a new Citizen's Space, inaugurated by the mayor of Barcelos, Mário Constantino Lopes. The new leisure and socializing space was created with the support of the Municipality of Barcelos, reinforcing the available infrastructure in the parish for the enjoyment of the local community.
Analyst Uriã Pancelli commented on the NOW program about the polling data conducted in the regions of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais, highlighting that Brazil’s socioeconomic and geographic differences pose significant challenges for the development and effectiveness of political speeches, since the distinct realities of each region require differentiated approaches from the candidates.
