Berliner Tageblatt - Hubert Aiwanger Found Dead in Berlin Hotel; Investigation Launched

Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria's Economy Minister and chairman of the Free Voters party, was found dead in his hotel room in Berlin on Wednesday. The Berlin public prosecutor's office confirmed the discovery that evening and announced the opening of an official investigation.

The inquiry aims to establish the precise cause of death and exclude any possibility of foul play. Aiwanger had traveled to the German capital to attend the inauguration of his party's new headquarters but canceled his participation in the event due to health concerns before becoming unreachable.

Reports indicate that Aiwanger was staying at the "Neuer Fritz," a boutique hotel located on Friedrichstraße in the Mitte district, near the Spree River. Police presence increased significantly late Wednesday night as investigators entered and exited the building, while other guests reported no unusual activity.

On Thursday, following a preliminary forensic examination of the body, prosecutors stated that Aiwanger died without third-party involvement. While some media outlets cited sources suggesting natural causes, the prosecutor's office declined to confirm this specific detail, stating that it would not preempt ongoing investigations and that the exact cause of death could not yet be determined with certainty.

H.Seidel--BTB