A guide to Germany's political parties DW 02/17/2025
Briefly

The CDU/CSU, Germany's center-right political alliance, has a historically dominant presence in German politics, frequently leading the government. Originally formed after World War II to unify Christian conservative voters, they have seen varying electoral success, with a notable decline in the 2021 elections. Leaders Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Markus Soder (CSU) present a united front. The party aims to reduce corporate taxes and implement stricter immigration controls while maintaining a commitment to asylum rights, appealing mainly to older voters and those in rural areas or small businesses.
The CDU/CSU pledge to reduce corporate taxes and benefit high-income earners, while emphasizing tighter restrictions on asylum applications and deportation of criminal refugees.
Founded post-World War II, the CDU sought to unite Christian conservative voters, dominating German politics for decades under leaders like Adenauer and Merkel.
The party has a strong voter base among those over 60, churchgoers, rural residents, and small business owners, but experienced a decline in the 2021 elections.
Friedrich Merz and Markus Soder demonstrate unity in leadership, as both the CDU and CSU face challenges in maintaining their traditional support and adapting to new voter expectations.
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