ABSTRACT
This is also the main underlying idea of this chapter. I will link the electoral success of the CSU to its double role – combining the main features of a conservative, traditional, Christian-democratic political party with being the prime example of what has been called a ‘catch-all party’ ( Volkspartei , Kirchheimer 1966; Mintzel 1984). I will link the party’s success in office to its double role. It is a minor coalition partner, or opposition party, at the federal level, while at the same time it continues to hold the dominant position within Bavaria. Finally, I will present its policy success , achieved by successfully adopting serious policy positions (as well as by some luck in achieving good outcomes) and combining these with rather populist standings.
