Hubert Aiwanger, a prominent German conservative politician and leader of the Free Voters party, was found dead in a Berlin hotel room on Wednesday evening, November 4, 2026. The discovery was made by individuals close to him who were unable to make contact.
Aiwanger, 55, was scheduled to deliver a speech on Wednesday afternoon at the opening of his party's Berlin office but withdrew from the event citing health reasons. He also serves as Bavaria's deputy governor and its economy minister.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of his death, with spokesperson for Berlin's public prosecutor's office Michael Petzold stating that "nothing can be ruled out at this point."
Aiwanger had led the Free Voters party in Bavaria since 2006 and served as its national leader since 2010. He is credited with elevating the party's standing, making it a significant force in Bavarian politics and a junior coalition partner in the state government.
Despite facing controversy during Bavaria's 2023 election over allegations of antisemitic activity in his youth, the Free Voters saw increased support and remained in the governing coalition. The party has had limited success outside of Bavaria.
Bavarian governor Markus Söder expressed his condolences on X, calling Aiwanger's death an "absolute tragedy." Aiwanger is survived by his partner, fellow Free Voters politician Tanja Schweiger, and their two children.
