Bavarian Digital Minister Fabian Mehring of the Freie Wähler party stated that he had contact with Hubert Aiwanger, his party friend and Minister of Economy, just prior to Aiwanger’s unexpected passing. Mehring recounted that while both were in Berlin that day, he had sent Aiwanger an SMS around midday to see if they could get dinner together.
Later that day, when he was asked to step in for Aiwanger due to illness, Mehring sent him a quick note wishing him a speedy recovery, assuming he simply had a cold. The communication occurred as the Freie Wähler party celebrated the opening of its capital office.
“Sitting in a hotel now and having to understand that Hubert is gone feels completely surreal,” Mehring continued. He expressed his shock and sorrow, noting he is still trying to function while sending heartfelt condolences and wishing his family strength. He concluded by saying, “We all owe him so much. Rest in peace, Hubert!”
The 55-year-old Aiwanger was discovered dead in a Berlin hotel on Wednesday. While the exact circumstances surrounding his death are yet unknown, no indications of foul play have been found.
