CDU/CSU at a Glance

Flag of Germany

Christlich Demokratische Union / Christlich Soziale Union

Christian Democratic Union / Christian Social Union

Multi-Party Alliance

Political Compass
Conservative
Social
Market-oriented
Progressive
Stance on the EU
Anti-EU
Pro-EU
The CDU/CSU is a Christian Democratic and conservative 'Volkspartei' (people's party) of the political center. As the 'Union,' it brings together liberal, social, and value-conservative currents with the goal of ensuring economic rationality and social stability, guided by a Christian understanding of humanity.

Values and Worldview

The Union's foundation is rooted in a Christian understanding of humanity, emphasizing both individual freedom and inherent imperfection, alongside personal responsibility. This underpins the principle of subsidiarity, where the state intervenes only when individuals or smaller communities are unable to cope. The CDU/CSU sees itself as a pillar of the state, dedicated to preserving traditions and ensuring social cohesion through its commitment to the Social Market Economy. Patriotism, for the Union, is expressed as an allegiance to the values enshrined in the Basic Law and to European integration, always with a strong focus on security and public order.

Policy Priorities

The party's agenda is shaped by a commitment to economic competitiveness, sound fiscal policies (often referred to as a 'balanced budget' or 'zero deficit'), and robust internal and external security. As a broad-based 'Volkspartei' (people's party), it appeals to a wide range of demographics, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and industrial workers to families and rural communities. It advocates for an efficient welfare state that incentivizes personal responsibility and champions a migration policy focused on controlled immigration and successful integration. Internal tensions frequently arise between the party's economic-liberal faction and its Christian-social labor wings.

Role in the Political System

Strategically, the Union acts as the stabilizing force within the German party system. It occupies the role of the moderate right and consistently aims for governmental responsibility to implement pragmatic solutions rather than ideological experiments. While the CSU, as a regional party in Bavaria, provides a distinct conservative emphasis, the CDU operates nationwide as an integrative force. Its relationship with state institutions is characterized by profound respect.

Latest Regional Polls

Current Polling

0
10
20
30
40+

Swing since last election

-5
0
5+

Current polls in states with upcoming elections and changes since the last vote

View all state polls

Key Policy Areas & Ideological Alignment

This chart illustrates the key issues for the party. Points further from the center indicate higher significance.

Core Positions & Policy Platforms

Stance 2024
Stances of Alliance Parties

Economy & State

Wealth Redistribution
Pro-Redistribution
Market-Driven
Fiscal Policy
Public Investment
Austerity & Tax Cuts
Trade Policy
Free Trade
Protectionism

Society & Values

Civil Liberties vs. Security
Civil Liberties
Law & Order
Gender Equality Measures
Pro-Promotion
Against Promotion
LGBTQ+ Equality
Pro-Equality
Traditional Values
Same-Sex Marriage
Pro-Marriage
Against
Religion in Politics
Secularism
Religious Influence
Urban vs. Rural Priority
Focus on Urban Areas
Focus on Rural Areas

Environment & Climate

Environment vs. Economy: What's More Important?
Environmental Protection Over Economic Growth
Economic Growth Over Environmental Protection
Climate Action vs. Economic Growth
Climate Protection First
Economic Growth First

Migration & Integration

Immigration Policy
Open
Restrictive
Integration & Culture
Multiculturalism
Assimilation
Rights for Ethnic Minorities
Expand Rights
Equal Treatment Only
National Sovereignty
Cosmopolitan
Nationalist

Democracy & Institutions

Executive Power Distribution
Decentralized
Strong Executive
Judicial Independence
Independent
Executive Oversight
State Organization
Federalism
Centralism

Voter Demographics: Who Supports CDU/CSU?

Voter Profile
Conservative
Social
Market-oriented
Progressive
Self-assessment of a random sample of CDU/CSU voters within the PolitPro community.
Scientific Analysis
Community Voters

Economy & State

Wealth Redistribution
Pro-Redistribution
Market-Driven
Fiscal Policy
Public Investment
Austerity & Tax Cuts
Trade Policy
Free Trade
Protectionism

Society & Values

Civil Liberties vs. Security
Civil Liberties
Law & Order
Religion in Politics
Secularism
Religious Influence
Urban vs. Rural Priority
Focus on Urban Areas
Focus on Rural Areas

Environment & Climate

Environment vs. Economy: What's More Important?
Environmental Protection Over Economic Growth
Economic Growth Over Environmental Protection
Relations with Russia
No Cooperation
Close Cooperation
Relations with China
No Cooperation
Close Cooperation
Relations with the USA
No Cooperation
Close Cooperation

Migration & Integration

Immigration Policy
Open
Restrictive
Integration & Culture
Multiculturalism
Assimilation
Rights for Ethnic Minorities
Expand Rights
Equal Treatment Only
National Sovereignty
Cosmopolitan
Nationalist

Democracy & Institutions

State Organization
Federalism
Centralism

How to Interpret the Data

We surveyed voters across all parties within the PolitPro community about their stances on key political issues. The bars illustrate the range of opinions among CDU/CSU supporters. A shorter bar indicates a more homogeneous opinion among supporters. Where available, the party's official position is displayed as a circle.

Data Sources & Methodology

These values are derived from data provided by CDU/CSU supporters on the PolitPro platform. While this data is not a traditional representative random sample, the high number of participants provides deep insights into the priorities and values of the active voter base.

Historical Election Results

CDU/CSU: Election Result Trends in Germany

Latest Regional Election Results

Current Government Roles of CDU/CSU

Current Roles in Regional and National Governments

History of Government Participation since 1945

Power Dynamics: Historical Government Roles
Leading Government
In Government
18

Total Cabinet Participations

Total Duration: 57 years • 10 months • 5 days

0

Cabinets Led

Total Duration: -

18

Coalition Participations

Total Duration: 57 years • 10 months • 5 days

69%

Time in Government

The party participated in government for 69% of the legislative period.

Merz
2025
CDU/CSU
SPD
Merkel IV
2018
CDU/CSU
SPD
Merkel III
2013
CDU/CSU
SPD
Merkel II
2009
CDU/CSU
FDP
Merkel I
2005
CDU/CSU
SPD
Kohl V
1994
CDU/CSU
FDP
Kohl IV
1991
CDU/CSU
FDP
Kohl III
1987
CDU/CSU
FDP
Kohl II
1983
CDU/CSU
FDP
Kohl I
1982
CDU/CSU
FDP
Kiesinger
1966
CDU/CSU
SPD
Erhard II
1965
CDU/CSU
FDP
Erhard I
1963
CDU/CSU
FDP
Adenauer V
1962
CDU/CSU
FDP
Adenauer IV
1961
CDU/CSU
FDP
Adenauer III
1957
CDU/CSU
DP
Adenauer II
1953
CDU/CSU
FDP
GB/BHE
DP
Adenauer I
1949
CDU/CSU
FDP
DP

Data Sources and Methodology

PolitPro

PolitPro bridges the gap between scientific research and current polling. We supplement leading datasets with our own proprietary research and algorithms to make complex political contexts tangible and accessible. Powered by AI.

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ParlGov – Parliamentary Democracy Data

A comprehensive research database from the University of Bremen, documenting parties, elections, and governments for comparative analysis.

Additional Sources

Döring, Holger and Philip Manow. 2024. Parliaments and governments database (ParlGov).

CHES – Chapel Hill Expert Survey

The leading expert survey on party positions in Europe. Over 400 political scientists document party stances based on rigorous scientific criteria.

Additional Sources

Rovny, Jan, et al. “25 Years of Political Party Positions in Europe: The Chapel Hill Expert Survey, 1999-2024.”