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Your guide - the Christian Democratic Party (CDU)

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Your guide - the Christian Democratic Party (CDU)
Photo: DPA

With less than two weeks to go until polling day, the campaign for Germany's general election is heating up. The dry business of German politics can often seem obscure to the outsider, but The Local is here to help – we will be publishing our guide to Germany’s main political parties all week.

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We start with the country’s ruling party the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Together with its Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU), the two come under the term the Union in the country's parliament.

Who are they?

The centre-right CDU have been in power since 2005. Founded in 1945, the CDU formed the first elected government of West Germany under Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.

Initially, its values centred around building German public life on "Christian, democratic and federalist foundations," and among its founding aims were integrating Germany into Europe, and reunifying the country – as it was split in two at this point.

What do they stand for now?

The CDU election campaign this year focuses on Germany successfully weathering the financial crises of the past few years – the slogan "Germany's future: in good hands" spells this out. In a nutshell, they stand for protection and promotion of the family, keeping a competitive economy and keeping taxes low.

However, under Merkel the CDU has moved slowly towards to political centre, with its efforts to phase out nuclear power and softening towards gay marriage.

Who's in charge?

Hamburg-born, East Germany-raised Angela Merkel (59) has been Chancellor since 2005. She has a doctorate in physics and joined the party in 1990, becoming deputy speaker in East Germany's first elected government.

She later served as Minister for Women and Youth, then Minister for Environment, Environmental Conservation and Atomic Safety.

As a Protestant pastor's daughter raised under Socialist rule, Merkel's upbringing does not tick the typical CDU boxes, but since becoming chancellor in 2005, she has gained a reputation for determination and quiet confidence.

Why do they matter?

The CDU matters because there is a good chance it will be voted in for another term. The party may, however, have to find another coalition partner as its current – the Free Democrats (FDP) – has been struggling in the polls for some time.

Alex Evans

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