Aiwanger died without third-party involvement, first findings show

One day after the death of Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria's economy minister and leader of the Free Voters (Freie Wähler), the first findings are in. According to the Berlin public prosecutor's office, the 55-year-old died without third-party involvement.

What happened?

Aiwanger was found lifeless in a Berlin hotel room on Wednesday. He was in the city to open his party's new office in the capital, but did not show up at the event.

His death caused shock across party lines. Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, who has led the coalition of the CSU and the Free Voters since 2018, said: "I'm really shocked and shaken." He said the loss leaves a deep gap in Bavarian politics and in the hearts of many people.

What does the autopsy say?

The preliminary result shows no indication of third-party involvement. Further forensic examinations are still pending, and the investigation continues.

A book of condolence will be available at the Prinz-Carl-Palais in Munich from Friday. Söder also ordered flags at all state government buildings to be flown at half-mast.

What's next?

Aiwanger had chaired the party in Bavaria since 2006 and nationally since 2010. He was re-elected state chair only a year ago and planned to seek confirmation as national chair in two weeks' time. The national party congress planned for 14 November has been postponed. The party and its parliamentary group want to discuss the way forward by the weekend.

State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt will run the economy ministry for now. He is returning immediately from a delegation trip to Singapore. A new minister must be appointed by Söder and approved by the state parliament. It is unclear whether and when the Free Voters will fill posts.

Söder says he wants to continue working with the Free Voters.

Aiwanger first led his party into the Bavarian parliament in 2008. In 2023 he faced heavy criticism over an antisemitic leaflet from his school days, yet the party still won a record 15.8 percent in that year's election.