Junge Union

The Junge Union (JU) is the youth organization of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) political parties in Germany. It serves as a platform for young people to engage in politics and advocate for their interests within the broader CDU/CSU framework. Recently, the JU has been in the news for different reasons. In one instance, a local JU chapter sparked controversy with a provocative campaign poster ahead of local elections, criticized for its ageist message. The poster depicted elderly people with the slogan "Greisräte in Aktion" (Geriatric Councilors in Action), aiming to promote younger candidates. Separately, the national JU chairman, Winkel, has publicly opposed potential plans to increase the value-added tax (Mehrwertsteuer), citing concerns about an impending economic downturn. This stance highlights the JU's role in shaping economic policy debates within the CDU/CSU and its willingness to challenge proposals from within its own political family.