Prosecutors Investigate Hotel Death of Bavaria’s Hubert Aiwanger
Berlin prosecutors and a state police homicide unit are investigating the death of Free Voters leader Hubert Aiwanger, 55, found in a Berlin-Mitte hotel room. Officials report no initial suspicion of a crime; autopsy results are pending.
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Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria’s deputy premier and economy minister, was found dead in a Berlin-Mitte hotel room on the evening of Nov. 4.
The Free Voters leader was 55. Berlin prosecutors said there was currently no initial suspicion of a criminal offense.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death.
Homicide Unit Leads Inquiry
The Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office and the LKA’s 6th Murder Commission opened a death investigation, according to a joint Nov. 4 statement with police.
The aim is to establish the precise cause and course of the death and to rule out third-party culpability. Investigations are continuing.
A prosecutor spokesperson told Bild, as reported by Politico: “Currently no initial suspicion of a criminal offense. At this stage, nothing can be ruled out.”
An autopsy has been ordered. As of midday on Nov. 5, no results had been made public.
Cancelled Capital Appearance
Aiwanger had traveled to Berlin for the opening of the Free Voters’ new capital office. He was due to speak but withdrew on health grounds, according to dpa.
He was reported to have felt unwell and stayed in his room. The hotel was reportedly the Neuer Fritz on Friedrichstrasse, near Friedrichstrasse station, according to Bild.
Political Reaction
Markus Söder, Bavaria’s minister-president and CSU leader, called the death an “absolute tragedy.”
“We are all deeply shocked. Our thoughts are now first and foremost with his family and his children,” Söder said.
The Free Voters said they had lost “not only a committed politician and companion, but also a person who had a lasting impact on the political landscape.”
“The Free Voters will continue their work in the spirit of Hubert Aiwanger,” the party added.
Two Decades at the Party’s Helm
Aiwanger had led the Free Voters in Bavaria since 2006 and nationally since 2010.
The party entered the Bavarian government in 2018 as junior partner to the CSU. Aiwanger served as deputy minister-president and economy minister from that year.
His death comes as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces pressure over European policy and rising dissatisfaction at home.
Kamer Kurunç
Kamer Kurunç is the Team Leader of Clash Report and has led the outlet for four years. He oversees its breaking world news coverage, from the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war to defense and global politics. His focus is fast, verified, source-based reporting. Follow him on X at @kamerknc.
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