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The term "Great Coalition" in German history refers to a period when the two largest parties, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU), formed a governing alliance. This occurred notably from 1966 to 1969 and again from 2005 to 2009, and 2013 to 2021. These coalitions were formed to provide stable governance, often when neither party could secure a majority on its own or with smaller coalition partners. The CDU generally advocates for a free-market economy with social welfare programs, while the SPD is a center-left party. The formation of such coalitions reflects a pragmatic approach to governing in a multi-party democracy.123

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