HDE Chief Executive Genth warned that the consumer market is already in a state of shock, asserting that a VAT increase would send the wrong signal during these challenging times. He emphasized the need for relief measures for consumers and businesses. Similarly, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Minister-President Schwesig condemned any VAT hike, labeling it detrimental to the economy and burdensome for citizens. In contrast, Chancellor Merz has not ruled out a potential increase in the VAT rate from 19%, nor a reduction in the reduced rate for food items, raising concerns about the impact on everyday expenses.