Changes

The September 2009 elections were a major win for the conservative forces led by CDU Chancellor [[Angela Merkel]], breaking a stalemate and opening the way for more conservative economic policies. Previously since an indecisive election in 2005 the Christian Democrats (CDU) (on the center-right) formed a "grand coalition" with the [[SPD|Social Democrats]] (SPD) (on the center-left). Merkel and her CDU formed a coalition with the libertarian, pro-business [[Free Democratic Party|Free Democrats]] (FDP) to 2013. Left in the cold was the SPD, the [[Alliance '90/The Greens|Greens]], and the ex-Communists who remain strong in the former East Germany under the name "[[The Left]]". Merkel moved forward on tax cuts, reform of the tax code, reduction of bureaucracy and a possible extension of the time that nuclear power plants can continue to operate.  

The September 2009 elections were a major win for the conservative forces led by CDU Chancellor [[Angela Merkel]], breaking a stalemate and opening the way for more conservative economic policies. Previously since an indecisive election in 2005 the Christian Democrats (CDU) (on the center-right) formed a "grand coalition" with the [[SPD|Social Democrats]] (SPD) (on the center-left). Merkel and her CDU formed a coalition with the libertarian, pro-business [[Free Democratic Party|Free Democrats]] (FDP) to 2013. Left in the cold was the SPD, the [[Alliance '90/The Greens|Greens]], and the ex-Communists who remain strong in the former East Germany under the name "[[The Left]]". Merkel moved forward on tax cuts, reform of the tax code, reduction of bureaucracy and a possible extension of the time that nuclear power plants can continue to operate.  

In 2013 the [[Free Democratic Party]] (FDP) left the parliament.<ref>http://news.msn.com/world/merkels-party-wins-german-election-but-allies-crushed</ref> So the CDU will create a "grand coalition" with the [[SPD]] again.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/10/17/merkel-and-center-left-rivals-agree-to-recommend-entering-formal-talks-on-new/</ref>

In 2013 the [[Free Democratic Party]] (FDP) left the parliament.<ref>http://news.msn.com/world/merkels-party-wins-german-election-but-allies-crushed</ref> So the CDU created a "grand coalition" with the [[SPD]] again.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/10/17/merkel-and-center-left-rivals-agree-to-recommend-entering-formal-talks-on-new/</ref>

==Party Structure==

==Party Structure==