Libertarianism is a political philosophy that emphasises individual liberty and autonomy. It seeks to limit state intervention in influencing individual's behaviour, avoid intervening in economic markets, and limit government spending.
Paternalism, by contrast, argues that the state has a responsibility to direct society towards desirable goals. It argues that the state should have an active role in guiding individual behaviour, supports market intervention when deemed necessary, and supports comparatively higher government spending.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is a historically dominant centre-right party in Germany. The party has both paternalistic and libertarian positions.