As the centre-right Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CDU/CSU) prepares for a potential return to power in Germany, its stance on tobacco and nicotine policy is set to be a key point of negotiation with prospective coalition partners.
The conservative bloc has traditionally taken a moderate, business-friendly approach to nicotine policies and alternative tobacco products. Unlike their potential coalition partners, the SPD and the Greens – who advocate for stricter regulations and advertising bans – the CDU/CSU leans towards measured regulation without stifling innovation in the industry.