Despite the European crisis and slowing German economy, Merkel's Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union managed to gain more seats in the parliament than during the 2009 elections. The two parties' success is strongly tied to Merkel's popularity and image as leader capable of maneuvering Germany through the European crisis. Germans especially see the country's currently low unemployment rates and Germany's resilience to the European economic downturn as proof of Merkel's capabilities. Initial Official Results of the German Parliamentary Elections Germans also appreciate Merkel's tough stance on eurozone bailouts. In return for troubled countries' commitments to reforms and reduced government spending, Merkel's government has been willing to provide enough aid to ensure that the currency union does not break apart.