CDU and CSU lead polls ahead of German election with focus on economy and immigration reforms

Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, CSU, are leading in polls ahead of the February 23 election. They aim to cut red tape, reduce energy prices, and abolish the supply chain due diligence law. The CDU plans to lower corporate tax rates, maintain tax benefits for families, and keep Germany's debt brake. They propose stricter border controls, faster asylum processing, and reforms to the European asylum law, while also simplifying foreign worker recruitment. In foreign policy, the CDU supports increased defense spending and stronger ties with NATO and the U.S. They oppose anti-car measures and seek to boost housing supply and childcare access, while also proposing changes to social policies and education.