Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU)
Overview
The Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) is a center-right political party in Germany. It is one of the two major parties in Germany, along with the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). The CDU is a member of the European People's Party (EPP).
The CDU was founded in 1945 by Konrad Adenauer, who served as the first Chancellor of West Germany from 1949 to 1963. The CDU has been the dominant party in West Germany and then in reunified Germany for most of the post-war period.
Policies
The CDU is a center-right party that supports a market economy, limited government, and social justice. The party's policies are generally pro-business and pro-European integration.
In recent years, the CDU has been moving towards the center-left on some issues, such as climate change and social welfare. The party has also become more critical of the European Union.
Leadership
The current leader of the CDU is Friedrich Merz. Merz was elected leader in 2021, after the previous leader, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, resigned.
Merz is a conservative politician who has been critical of the CDU's recent move towards the center-left. He has promised to return the party to its conservative roots.
Recent Developments
In the 2021 German federal election, the CDU/CSU alliance lost its majority in the Bundestag. The CDU/CSU won 24.1% of the vote, down from 32.9% in the 2017 election.
The CDU/CSU is now in opposition in the Bundestag. The party is currently negotiating with the SPD, the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) to form a coalition government.
Key Figures
*Konrad Adenauer
Konrad Adenauer was the first Chancellor of West Germany from 1949 to 1963. He was the founder of the CDU and is considered one of the most important figures in German history.
*Angela Merkel
Angela Merkel was the Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. She was the first female Chancellor of Germany and is considered one of the most successful politicians in German history.
*Friedrich Merz
Friedrich Merz is the current leader of the CDU. He is a conservative politician who has been critical of the CDU's recent move towards the center-left.
