In an interview with the “Rheinische Post,” Blatt emphasized that higher prices for beer and cigarettes are preferable to the substantial costs associated with alcohol and tobacco-related illnesses. These tax proposals are part of 66 recommendations from an expert commission aimed at reforming the healthcare system. Federal Minister Warken is currently evaluating which suggestions to implement, with the goal of addressing an anticipated €15 billion deficit in the statutory health insurance system for the upcoming year.