Hubert Aiwanger: Bavaria mourns the Vice-Minister President

The news has caused shock in the Free State and beyond. Landtag President Ilse Aigner expressed her dismay and described Aiwanger’s death as a “severe loss for the Landtag and the entire political landscape in Bavaria.” She offered her condolences to the family.

Prime Minister Markus Söder, who was on an international trip at the time, spoke of an “absolute tragedy” and emphasized that he and the CSU are mourning with the family. Shock also prevails in government circles.

According to police, investigations are underway in Berlin to determine the exact cause of death and to rule out any possible external factors. Aiwanger had reportedly not been feeling well throughout the day, which led to the cancellation of an interview and the dispatch of a representative. He was found in the “Neuer Fritz” hotel on Friedrichstraße, near the new office of the Free Voters.

Reactions from the political spectrum express deep concern. Hendrik Wüst, Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, praised Aiwanger as a responsible politician. Cem Özdemir, Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg, described him as a “combative politician with rough edges.” Martin Hagen, General Secretary of the FDP, also spoke of a loss for politics and described the event as a “tragedy” for Bavaria. Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Israelite Cultural Community, wished the family good health.

It is expected that Bavaria’s government will soon convene for a special session to plan the details of a dignified farewell. Until then, FW State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt will provisionally lead the ministry.