Overview
- The culture minister said Tuesday he will table plans within weeks for a Digitalabgabe, aiming for debate and a decision before the summer recess.
- The plan would charge global platforms such as Google, Amazon, Meta and TikTok, with proceeds set aside for media grants that bolster local newsrooms.
- Weimer cites a two‑thirds vote in the Bundesrat in favor of the levy and claims a Bundestag majority stretching from the Greens to the CDU.
- Resistance remains inside the government as CSU leader Markus Söder opposes the move and Economy Minister Katherina Reiche argues against new digital fees.
- A national levy could strain ties with the United States after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs over the United Kingdom’s digital tax in a similar dispute.