By Fatma Younis
Hubert Aiwanger, leader of the Free Voters party and Bavaria's deputy governor, was found dead in a Berlin hotel room on Wednesday evening, police and prosecutors said.
Investigation Underway
The 55-year-old had planned to speak at the opening of a party office in Berlin but withdrew for health reasons. An investigation into the cause of death has been opened.
Political Career
Aiwanger led the Free Voters in Bavaria since 2006 and nationally since 2010. Under his leadership, the party entered the Bavarian state legislature in 2008 and became a junior coalition partner in 2018 after the Christian Social Union lost its majority.
Controversy and Election
Before the 2023 state election, Aiwanger faced allegations over an antisemitic flyer from his high school years, which he denied. The party weathered the storm and gained support in the election.
National Reach
The Free Voters made limited inroads outside Bavaria and never entered the national parliament under Aiwanger's leadership.
Tributes and Survivors
Bavarian Governor Markus Söder called the death an "absolute tragedy." Aiwanger is survived by his partner, Free Voters politician Tanja Schweiger, and two children.
