CDUCSU

CDU/CSU refers to the political alliance and parliamentary group formed by two sister parties in Germany: the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU). They operate as separate parties with distinct regional bases, but share a common program and leadership at the federal level. The CSU operates only in Bavaria, while the CDU operates in the other 15 states; together they form the Union in national politics.

In the Bundestag, the two parties run as a single parliamentary group, the CDU/CSU Group, coordinating policy and leadership. They usually nominate a joint candidate for chancellor during federal elections, although the CSU retains its own state-level leadership. In government the Union has often governed in coalitions with the Free Democratic Party (FDP) or the Social Democratic Party (SPD) or the Greens, depending on election outcomes.

History: The CDU and CSU were formed after World War II as Christian-democratic parties to shape postwar Germany. They began coordinating at the federal level almost from the start, earning the label the Union. Notable chancellors from the Union include Konrad Adenauer, Ludwig Erhard, Kurt Georg Kiesinger (CDU), Helmut Kohl, and Angela Merkel (CDU). The CSU has been the dominant party in Bavaria since the 1950s.

Ideology and policy: The CDU/CSU is generally described as center-right, Christian democratic, and liberal-conservative on economic matters. It supports a social market economy, pro-European integration, a strong European Union, and a robust defense policy. On domestic issues the Union emphasizes law and order, regional federalism, and social welfare balanced by market mechanisms. On immigration and asylum, it has advocated tougher policies at times.

Organization and international alignment: The CDU/CSU is a member of the European People's Party (EPP) at the European level. In federal politics they collaborate closely, while maintaining separate party structures. The alliance remains a major force in German politics, often shaping center-right policy.