German political parties, explained

As Germany's general election looms, the dry business of politics can often seem obscure to the outsider, but The Local is here to help – we've put together your guide to the parties.
Struggling to distinguish between the SPD and the FDP? Unsure what makes the CDU and CSU different? The links below lead to a look at the country's biggest parties jostling for places in parliament.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
The Christian Social Union (CSU)
The Social Democratic Party (SPD)
The Free Democratic Party (FDP)
The Local
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Struggling to distinguish between the SPD and the FDP? Unsure what makes the CDU and CSU different? The links below lead to a look at the country's biggest parties jostling for places in parliament.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
The Christian Social Union (CSU)
The Social Democratic Party (SPD)
The Free Democratic Party (FDP)
The Local
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