Controversial new tax proposal from Yeni Şafak columnist

While efforts to implement tax hikes and new taxes to close the budget deficit continue under the economic management of Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, a notable proposal has come from Yeni Şafak newspaper columnist Özgür Bayram Soylu.

Soylu argued that an "Obesity Tax" should be implemented on sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and processed foods.

SUPPORT FOR "OBESITY TAX"

In his column, Soylu drew attention to the promotion of sugary drinks and processed products in Turkish supermarkets, stating that this situation negatively affects dietary habits. Soylu stated that an "Obesity Tax" is a necessary step to prevent obesity. Soylu said, "Implementing an Obesity Tax in Turkey, a tax to be applied to sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and ultra-processed foods, has the potential to change consumer behavior."

DEMAND FOR AN ADDITIONAL "LIFESTYLE TAX" ALONGSIDE THE OBESITY TAX

Soylu also proposed a "lifestyle tax" aimed not only at preventing obesity but also at discouraging unhealthy lifestyles among individuals. He argued that an additional tax should be levied on individuals who are above a certain body mass index and maintain this through lifestyle choices.

TAXES CAN BE USED TO PROMOTE HEALTHY EATING

Özgür Bayram Soylu also offered other suggestions to increase health awareness. Among these, it was stated that the revenue to be generated from the "Obesity Tax" should be transferred to health campaigns, school nutrition programs, and healthy food subsidies. He also expressed the view that price increases would be effective in reducing the demand for sugary drinks and packaged snacks.

News Source: 12punto