They are decidedly weaker than 10 years ago. In 2013 the CDU/CSU almost achieved a full majority in parliament, which is insane considering it was four parties represented. Germans are easily duped by the veneer of stability, which Merkel basically embodies.
Edit: Also, Covid saved their asses. Germans in a Crisis always rally around the ruling party, even if this ruling party significantly exacerbated said crisis.
I don't understand German politics, Christian democrats are hemorrhaging voters everywhere in Europe but somehow they're stronger than ever in Germany
They are decidedly weaker than 10 years ago. In 2013 the CDU/CSU almost achieved a full majority in parliament, which is insane considering it was four parties represented. Germans are easily duped by the veneer of stability, which Merkel basically embodies.
Edit: Also, Covid saved their asses. Germans in a Crisis always rally around the ruling party, even if this ruling party significantly exacerbated said crisis.