Armed with the countries : the Federal government does not want to control tobacco smuggling

there is Hardly a compromise in the conciliation process indicates, in the basic law, changes for future Federal financial assistance to States and municipalities, is already the next conflict. This Friday, the chamber of States could call for the second Time in this parliamentary term, the conciliation Committee of the Bundestag and the Bundesrat, in order to clarify another Federal-state Problem. It comes to the simple question: Who is in charge of the future of the EU demanded better control of tobacco smuggling, which grows steadily and leads to control failures?

The Federal government is of the opinion that it was the responsibility of the States. The countries, however, are in unison of the view: The Federal government is on it. Therefore, the Committee for consumer protection has recommended the Federal Council to go in the mediation. The Committee is responsible, because the necessary Amendment to the tobacco act, the Federal Minister for consumer protection, Julia Klöckner (CDU) is leading.

What at first glance looks like a regular Federal-state disputes in the case of unclear responsibilities, on closer inspection, quite a larger Dimension. Because the Brussels Demand after the introduction of a "traceability system" for tobacco products can only mean one thing: You need more staff for the checks. The thing goes into the money. The Federal government has decided, therefore, that the authorities of the countries in the framework of market surveillance, the product control, to be responsible.

It comes to personnel and that costs money

In the Federal Council not to endorse this view. In the decision of the Committee, it does not mean: "This is appropriate, because it is not a task of consumer health protection. The traceability system is used for the elimination of the illicit trade in tobacco products and is intended to detect tax fraud.“ So, the claim of the countries had to be entrusted to the customs. And for the Federal Finance Minister, Olaf Scholz (SPD). What is of interest in so far as the tobacco runs smuggling, often via the seaports and higher personnel expenses would mean, not least in Hamburg, where Scholz ruled until a year ago, as mayor.

The cost estimates provided by the Federal government, are known in country circles as "ridiculous". You don't need to virtually build a new authorities, because the Committee statement – the consumer, the competencies possessed protection authorities, the need for Vorgehgen against tobacco smuggling. The but I have of the customs, for the Review of the control character in charge as well as prosecution and police powers. However, the inch is considered to be under occupied.

Olaf Scholz, Minister of Finance, in need of money

Without a reasonable offer of the Federal government there are going to be this Friday is no majority in the Bundesrat, it is stated in country circles. Implemented the EU requirement to may.