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German police have opened a formal inquiry after the body of Hubert Aiwanger, a senior Bavarian politician, was found in a Berlin hotel. Authorities said they are working to determine the cause of death and to exclude the possibility of third‑party involvement.
Investigation under way
Berlin police confirmed a probe after Aiwanger, 55, was discovered in a hotel room on Wednesday evening. In a statement, officers said the inquiry aims to establish the precise cause and the circumstances of his death, and to rule out any external culpability.
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Where it happened
The politician’s body was located at the Neur Fritz Hotel on Friedrichstrasse in Berlin‑Mitte. Local police have not released further details about the scene or a timeline for forensic results.
Events in the capital
Aiwanger had travelled to Berlin to mark the opening of a party office but did not attend the event. According to the tabloid Bild, he fell ill shortly before the planned appearance and remained absent from the opening.
Political role and past controversy
Aiwanger served as Bavaria’s deputy premier and as the state’s economy minister. He was also the leader of the Free Voters, a small conservative party with influence in regional politics.
His political career included a public scandal in 2023 after reports emerged that a pamphlet from his youth contained antisemitic language. The material was said to refer to Auschwitz in derogatory terms. Aiwanger denied authoring the pamphlet but acknowledged keeping “one or a few copies” from his school days, according to previous statements.
Reaction and personal details
Bavarian Premier Markus Söder described the unexpected death as a heavy blow and expressed deep shock, saying his thoughts were with Aiwanger’s family and children. Colleagues and party members have expressed condolences while the investigation continues.
Aiwanger was not married. He lived with his long‑term partner, Tanja Schweiger, who served as a district administrator for the Free Voters.
