Sudden death of Hubert Aiwanger: concern and grief in Bavaria

Markus Söder (59), Bavaria’s Minister President, expressed his concern over the loss on social media. “The sudden death of Hubert Aiwanger is an absolute tragedy,” he wrote on the platform X. “We are all deeply shocked. Our thoughts are now with his family and his children. We mourn with them and pray for them.”

Ilse Aigner (61), CSU politician and President of the Bavarian State Parliament, also expressed her condolences. “With great shock and disbelief, we received the news that State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Hubert Aiwanger has been torn from life in the middle of his life. His completely unexpected death is a great loss for the Bavarian State Parliament, for politics in Bavaria. Our thoughts are with his grieving family.”

Katharina Schulze (41), parliamentary group chairwoman of the Greens in the Bavarian State Parliament, also offered her condolences via Instagram: “With great shock, I learned of the death of Hubert Aiwanger. My deepest sympathy goes to his family, relatives and all those close to him. I wish them much strength, cohesion and comfort in this difficult time.”

Wolfgang Kubicki (74), FDP party chairman, emphasized Aiwanger’s special role in politics: “The sudden death of Hubert Aiwanger deeply saddens me. With his unconventional and down-to-earth manner, he shaped and shook up the political landscape in Bavaria. He was a combative politician whose voice and personality will be missed in German politics.”

Cem Özdemir (60), Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, also expressed his concern. “The sudden death of Hubert Aiwanger deeply saddens me. He was a combative politician with rough edges who fought for his convictions.” Özdemir also spoke of his thoughts with the deceased’s family.

The former Federal Minister of Transport Andreas Scheuer (52) said he was “deeply affected” and added: “Bavaria loses a passionate politician with clear convictions. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and all those close to him. Rest in peace, Hubert.”

Hubert Aiwanger had previously canceled his appointments for health reasons. On the evening of November 4th, it became known that the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs and state and federal chairman of the Free Voters was found dead in a hotel in Berlin. He was scheduled to speak during the opening of a capital office on Wednesday, but had canceled his participation at short notice. The Berlin Criminal Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office have launched investigations to determine the cause of death and rule out any possible foul play.