German Political Parties Overview
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian “sister party,” the Christian Social Union (CSU), have been pillars of German politics for decades. Led by Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder, these center-right parties have a strong voter base among older individuals, churchgoers, and rural residents.
In the 2021 Bundestag election, the CDU/CSU secured 24.1% of the vote, down from 32.9% in 2017. Despite this decrease, the parties remain influential in German politics, with a combined membership of over 500,000.
The CDU/CSU’s platform includes a focus on reducing corporate taxes, supporting high-income earners, and advocating for tighter restrictions on asylum seekers. They also prioritize Germany’s role in world affairs, emphasizing partnerships with Europe and the United States.
The preferred coalition partner for the CDU/CSU is the Free Democratic Party (FDP), a pro-free market party led by Christian Lindner. The FDP, with its emphasis on personal freedom and limited state intervention, aligns well with the CDU/CSU’s economic policies.
As Germany navigates its political landscape, the CDU/CSU’s leadership and platform will continue to shape the country’s direction. With a history of stability and influence, these parties remain key players in German politics.