Bavarian politician Hubert Aiwanger was discovered dead inside a hotel located in Berlin on Wednesday, according to the capital city’s public prosecutor’s office. Aiwanger held positions as Bavaria’s deputy premier, economy minister, and leader of the right-wing populist Free Voters party at the age of 55.
Investigation Into the Death
The exact circumstances regarding Aiwanger’s death remain unclear as Berlin police and prosecutors have initiated an official investigation. Authorities stated on Wednesday evening that their objective is to ascertain the precise cause of death, examine the surrounding circumstances, and exclude any potential foul play.
German tabloid Bild reported that Aiwanger had been experiencing feelings of illness on Wednesday. German news agency dpa noted that he had planned to speak at the inauguration of a party office in Berlin but cancelled the engagement due to health concerns. Bild added that his body was discovered on Wednesday evening at the Neuer Fritz Hotel situated on Friedrichstrasse in the Mitte district of Berlin.
Markus Söder, the Bavarian state premier and leader of the Christian Social Union, expressed deep shock regarding his deputy’s passing. Söder stated on X that the sudden death is a total tragedy, adding that condolences go out to his family and children while they mourn and pray for them.
Political Career and Background
Aiwanger originated from Lower Bavaria in southern Germany and secured a seat in the Bavarian State Parliament in 2008 representing the Free Voters, subsequently taking on the role of parliamentary group leader. His party formed a coalition in 2018 with the center-right CSU, which serves as the Bavarian sister party to the Christian Democratic Union, leading to Aiwanger’s appointment as state economic affairs minister and deputy premier.
Recognized as the prominent figure for the Free Voters both regionally and nationally, Aiwanger was known for a combative political style. Despite regional success, his party failed to secure sufficient seats to enter the Bundestag, the German federal parliament.
Aiwanger faced a major national controversy shortly before the 2023 state elections when Süddeutsche Zeitung published a report stating he had authored an antisemitic flyer containing references to Nazi atrocities at Auschwitz while in high school during the 1980s. He leaves behind two children and his partner Tanja Schweiger, who serves as a district administrator for the Free Voters.
