Bavarian politician Hubert Aiwanger found dead in Berlin hotel

Hubert Aiwanger, deputy leader of Bavaria and economy minister, was found dead in his hotel room in Berlin-Mitte, German authorities reported. The 55-year-old politician was also chairman of the right-wing populist Free Voters party.

Police and prosecutors have launched an investigation to determine the specific cause and circumstances of Aiwanger's death, aiming to rule out any foul play, according to the Berlin public prosecutor's office and police statements.

Aiwanger had been feeling unwell on the day of his death and canceled a scheduled speech at the opening of a party office in Berlin, German media reported. His body was discovered later that evening at the Neuer Fritz Hotel on Friedrichstrasse.

Bavarian state premier Markus Söder expressed deep shock at the news, calling Aiwanger's death an "absolute tragedy" and extending condolences to his family and children. Aiwanger had led the Free Voters since 2006 and helped bring the party into the Bavarian state government in 2018.

The investigation remains ongoing with authorities seeking to clarify the cause of death and any surrounding circumstances, as reported by DW English and The Guardian.