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Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria's Deputy Prime Minister, found dead in Berlin hotel

55-year-old Hubert Aiwanger was found dead in a hotel in Berlin. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of death.

5 November 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria's Deputy Prime Minister, found dead in Berlin hotel — Photo: Superbass · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, was found dead on Wednesday evening in a hotel room in Berlin. According to the Berlin police and the Bavarian State Chancellery, he was 55 years old. Aiwanger, who led the Free Voters, was a well-known figure in German politics, often controversial, yet regarded as a reliable partner within the Bavarian coalition.

The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. Police have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of death. Various media reports speculate about possible health issues that Aiwanger may have experienced recently. However, it remains uncertain whether these are connected to his sudden passing.

Aiwanger had recently been in Berlin to attend a party event, which he did not go to due to feeling unwell. This has been confirmed by multiple news sources. He was a prominent politician whose name became widely known during the so-called flyer scandal. His political allies include representatives from various parties.

News of Aiwanger's death has caused shock across Germany. Politicians from nearly all political factions have expressed their condolences, including AfD leader Alice Weidel and Cem Özdemir, Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg from the Greens. The reactions paint a picture of solidarity in a moment of shock and mourning.

Aiwanger was known as a distinctive voice of the Free Voters and played a central role in Bavarian politics. His death raises questions about the immediate political consequences for the Free Voters as well as for the Bavarian government as a whole. Given his controversial past, there are also reflective thoughts and opinions on how Aiwanger will be remembered as a politician.

Currently, it is unclear what the next steps will be, both regarding the investigations and Aiwanger's political legacy. The case remains a subject of intense reporting as authorities investigate the exact circumstances surrounding his death.

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