Bavarian deputy premier Hubert Aiwanger, 55, was found dead on Wednesday evening in a hotel room in Berlin, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise. Aiwanger, a significant political figure in Germany's largest state and the leader of the Free Voters party, had been in the capital for the opening of a party office.
He reportedly canceled his appearance at the event after feeling unwell. He was later discovered in his room at the Neuer Fritz Hotel. Police in Berlin have initiated an inquiry to determine the cause of death and to rule out any possibility of foul play. A spokesperson for the Berlin public prosecutor's office stated that while there is no initial suspicion of a crime, nothing can be ruled out at this stage.
According to reports, Aiwanger had no obvious external injuries when he was found. Bavarian premier Markus Soeder expressed shock, calling Aiwanger's death a "terrible tragedy." Aiwanger also served as Bavaria's economy minister and had led the Free Voters in a coalition with the Christian Social Union since 2018.