tagesschau 20:00 Uhr, 28.04.2026

Germany's coalition government nears approval of a scaled-back health reform, with compromises softening planned cuts while introducing new levies. The broadcast also covers deportations to Afghanistan, the UAE's OPEC exit amid regional oil disruptions, US security incidents and diplomacy, a Belarus prisoner swap, a major anti-gang raid, falling birth rates, and a whale rescue, among weather updates.

Health Reform Nears Cabinet Approval

The cabinet is set to approve Health Minister Wagen's reform tomorrow, after intense coalition talks reduced planned savings from 20 billion euros to 16.3 billion for next year. Key changes include securing full sick pay, increasing state contributions to health costs for basic income recipients, and agreeing on a sugar tax on soft drinks starting 2028, expected to raise 450 million euros annually for statutory health insurance. The Union parties relented on the tax after initial resistance, viewing it as a way to curb sugar consumption. Additional hikes on alcohol, tobacco, and plastic taxes are planned to offset budget shortfalls. Health insurers criticize the plan, noting a 1.75 billion euro cut in federal subsidies despite more support for low-income care. Open issues like free spousal co-insurance will continue in parliament, potentially delaying passage beyond summer. The reform ties into tomorrow's budget outline, with SPD pushing fu