Junge Union

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The Junge Union (Young Christian Democrats) or JU is the joint youth organisation of the two conservative German political parties CDU and CSU. To be a member one has to be between 14 and 35 years old.

[edit] Philosophy

In its manifesto the JU defines itself as a liberal, conservative but progressive organisation. From an Anglo-Saxon point of view the JU would best be described as conservative. Its policies are based on the Christian view of Man and his responsibility before God. The JU advocates democracy and Social market economy. It supports the European integration and a strong partnership with the United States. The Junge Union backs the modernisation of the political agenda within its mother parties. One central objective is a consequent reform of the social security system which faces a tough demographic challenge in the coming years. The most important topic of the JU is education. The JU supports the elite school-type Gymnasium and manifest best education as their mayor aim. They support the idea of private schools, which are relatively rare in Germany, and want them to coexist with very well-equipped public schools.

[edit] Well-known former members of the Junge Union

[edit] Chairpersons

Bruno Six (1947-1948)
Alfred Sagner (1948-1949)
Josef Hermann Dufhues (1949-1950)
Ernst Majonica (1950-1955)
Gerhard Stoltenberg (1955-1961)
Bert Even (1961-1963)
Egon Klepsch (1963-1969)
Jürgen Echternach (1969-1973)
Matthias Wissmann (1973-1983)
Christoph Böhr (1983-1989)
Hermann Gröhe (1989-1994)
Klaus Escher (1994-1998)
Hildegard Müller (1998-2002)
Philipp Mißfelder (2002- )

[edit] International relations

The JU is member of the Youth of the European People's Party (YEPP), an umbrella organisation of Christian Democratic and conservative youth organisations of Europe. It works closely together with all European partner organisations but has traditionally strong ties to the neighbouring Junge Österreichische Volkspartei (JVP), youth organisation of the Austrian People's Party.