Trauerfeier in München: Weit mehr als 1.100 Trauergäste nehmen Abschied von Aiwanger

Ten days after the sudden death of Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria held a farewell ceremony for the long-serving Economy Minister and Deputy Prime Minister at the Munich Frauenkirche. Over 1,100 mourners - many in traditional attire - paid their final respects, with some unable to gain entry due to the large crowd and opting to watch the service outside.

A large portrait of the former Free-Wähler chief stood on the altar, surrounded by six on-duty police officers and draped in the Bavarian colors of white and blue. Cardinal Reinhard Marx led the Pontifical Requiem, marking Aiwanger's life achievements. The cardinal called Aiwanger an "authentic Bavarian man" who still had much to accomplish.

Aiwanger's political work had even sparked controversy and resulted in injuries. His funeral was followed by a state mourning ceremony, where Minister-President Markus Söder, Landtag President Ilse Aigner (both CSU) and Free-Wähler faction leader Florian Streibl spoke. Among the first row of guests were Aiwanger's wife Tanja Schweiger and his family.

The choir of the Munich Cathedral Music, the Domorchestra, and soprano Katja Stuber performed the service, conducted by Domkapellmeister Lucia Hilz. Mozart's Requiem in D minor and the organ playing of Domcantor Benedikt Celler were featured. The burial will take place in Aiwanger's home region in Lower Bavaria. The Free Wähler chief passed away unexpectedly in Berlin last week at the age of 55.

His body was found lifeless in a hotel room in Berlin and returned to Bavaria only a few days later. A state funeral is rare in Bavaria and reserved for exceptional individuals. The last such honors were given to former Landtag Presidents Barbara Stamm and Alois Glück (both CSU) for their contributions. While many federal and state politicians and members of society attended, the Frauenkirche could accommodate up to 1,100 people.

Many members of Aiwanger's party planned to travel by bus to Munich. After leaving the church, members of the paramilitary forces, hunting hornblowers, and fireworks shooters were also present to pay their final respects, including several fireworks shots.