In the 2013 election, the CDU remained Germany's strongest party, but its ally the [[Free Democratic Party|FDP]] lost the election and left the parliament.<ref>http://bigstory.ap.org/article/merkel-bidding-3rd-term-german-election</ref> Thus, the CDU created a "grand coalition" with the SPD again.<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/11/27/merkel-conservatives-center-left-rivals-reach-deal-to-form-new-german/</ref> The vice chancellor is Sigmar Gabriel, the chairman of the [[SPD]].<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/merkel-backs-plans-stem-energy-cost-rises</ref> | In the 2013 election, the CDU remained Germany's strongest party, but its ally the [[Free Democratic Party|FDP]] lost the election and left the parliament.<ref>http://bigstory.ap.org/article/merkel-bidding-3rd-term-german-election</ref> Thus, the CDU created a "grand coalition" with the SPD again.<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/11/27/merkel-conservatives-center-left-rivals-reach-deal-to-form-new-german/</ref> The vice chancellor is Sigmar Gabriel, the chairman of the [[SPD]].<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/merkel-backs-plans-stem-energy-cost-rises</ref> |