Hubert Aiwanger, the leader of the Free Voters party and Bavaria's deputy governor, was found dead in a Berlin hotel room on Wednesday evening, police and prosecutors confirmed.
An investigation into the cause of death has been opened. The 55-year-old politician had been scheduled to speak at the opening of his party's Berlin office on Wednesday afternoon but withdrew due to health reasons, according to German news agency dpa. Aiwanger had led the Free Voters in Bavaria since 2006 and nationally since 2010.
Under Aiwanger's leadership, the Free Voters became a significant force in Bavarian politics, entering the state legislature in 2008 and later becoming a junior coalition partner in the state government. Despite his influence in Bavaria, the party had limited success in expanding its reach to other parts of Germany, and Aiwanger was unable to lead them into the national parliament.
Earlier this year, Aiwanger faced controversy over allegations concerning an antisemitic flyer from his high school days, which he denied. The Free Voters, however, saw an increase in support in Bavaria's 2023 elections and remained in the state government.
Bavarian Governor Markus Söder described Aiwanger's death as an "absolute tragedy."
Aiwanger is survived by his partner, fellow Free Voters politician Tanja Schweiger, and their two children.