Obituary: Hubert Aiwanger was one of them, always close to the people

Hubert Aiwanger, a prominent figure in Bavarian politics and the deputy minister-president, passed away at the age of 55 in a Berlin hotel room. Aiwanger, who also served as the chairman of the Freie Wähler party, was discovered in the early evening of November 5th at the Hotel Neuer Fritz near Friedrichstrasse station in Berlin's Mitte district.

The Berlin public prosecutor's office confirmed his death and has initiated an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding his demise. Forensic teams are currently at the scene, and an autopsy is expected. Aiwanger had been set to officially launch a Freie Wähler office in Berlin the day before his passing, but canceled due to health concerns.

The Freie Wähler party is now in search of a new leader at both the state and federal levels, with State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt temporarily stepping in to manage day-to-day operations. Aiwanger, born and raised on a farm in Lower Bavaria, was known for his agricultural background, populist approach, and strong connection to ordinary people.

He led the Freie Wähler party since 2006 and became a key member of the coalition government with the CSU in 2018, serving as the economics minister and deputy head of government.