Controversial Politician 55, Found Dead in Hotel Room

A prominent German politician whose career was overshadowed by an explosive antisemitism scandal has been found dead in a Berlin hotel room, just hours after unexpectedly canceling a major public appearance.

Hubert Aiwanger, 55, the outspoken leader of Germany’s conservative Free Voters party and Bavaria’s deputy premier, was discovered dead Wednesday evening, November 4, in a hotel in central Berlin. His sudden death sent shock waves through Germany’s political establishment and raised immediate questions about what happened during his final hours.

Aiwanger had traveled to the capital to celebrate the opening of his party’s new Berlin office, where he was scheduled to deliver a speech Wednesday afternoon. Instead, he abruptly withdrew from the event after reportedly experiencing gastrointestinal problems.

According to German media reports, the politician remained at his hotel while colleagues attended the gathering. When they later struggled to reach him, concerns mounted, and he was eventually found unresponsive in his room.

Berlin police and prosecutors immediately launched an investigation into the unexpected death. However, a preliminary autopsy conducted Thursday found no evidence of foul play. Authorities have not publicly established a cause of death, and additional forensic examinations are underway.

Aiwanger was no stranger to controversy. One of Bavaria’s most recognizable right-wing political figures, he became engulfed in a national scandal ahead of the state’s 2023 election when allegations surfaced linking him to an antisemitic flyer dating back to his high school years.

The disturbing leaflet mocked victims of the Holocaust and referenced the Nazi death camp Auschwitz. Aiwanger denied writing it, while his older brother claimed responsibility. Additional accusations about Aiwanger’s behavior as a teenager fueled public outrage and renewed debate about antisemitism and political accountability in Germany.

Despite intense criticism and calls for his removal, Bavarian Governor Markus Söder allowed Aiwanger to remain in office. His Free Voters party subsequently retained its place in Bavaria’s governing coalition with Söder’s conservative Christian Social Union.

Aiwanger had led the Free Voters in Bavaria since 2006 and served as the state’s economy minister and deputy premier since 2018. Although his party struggled to establish a national foothold, he remained an influential figure in regional politics.

Söder described his longtime coalition partner’s sudden death as an “absolute tragedy,” saying Germany’s political leadership was deeply shaken.

“We are all deeply shocked. Our thoughts are now first and foremost with his family and his children,” Söder said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and politicians from across the political spectrum also expressed condolences. Söder has indicated that the governing coalition will continue despite the unexpected loss of one of its most prominent figures.

Aiwanger is survived by his longtime partner, fellow Free Voters politician Tanja Schweiger, and their two children.

His death leaves his party facing an uncertain leadership transition, while investigators continue working to determine what caused the 55-year-old politician’s sudden passing.