Regierung in Bayern: Streitlustig und streitbar - Freie-Wähler-Chef Aiwanger tot

Hubert Aiwanger, the leader of the Freie Wähler party and the Federal and State chairman, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55. Aiwanger was known for his fiery temperament and contentious nature, but was also a formidable politician, gaining nationwide recognition, even with his distinctive Bavarian dialect. He died in a Berlin hotel room on Wednesday, confirmed by the Berlin prosecutor's office.

Bayern's Minister President and CSU boss Markus Söder mourned the loss, saying they were "shocked" and offering their condolences to Aiwanger's family and children. Aiwanger, who had two children and was living with Free Wähler Landraat Tanja Schweiger, had been a member of the Landtag since 2008 and became its Fraktionschef in 2018.

He joined the Freie Wähler in 2008 and served as their Fraktionschef. Aiwanger's political career saw him become Economic Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, with his party achieving a record 15.8% share in the 2023 Bavarian state election. His unique dialect and ability to deliver speeches without a script earned him fame, but it was his ability to connect with the "common people" that most distinguished him.

Aiwanger was determined to distance himself from the professional politicians he had once been, stating that government participation was a "necessary evil" to keep the future of the state moving forward. His death leaves Bavaria without a prominent figure who stood out in Bavarian politics, not only for his dialect, but also for his unique ability to connect with ordinary people.