Thorsten Frei, the chairman of the Union parliamentary group, expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of Hubert Aiwanger. Frei described the event as incredibly surreal and unbelievable, lamenting: “A comparatively young man who went from one second to the next to be dead.”
He stressed that this is primarily a human tragedy for Aiwanger’s family, calling it a terrible and “personally incredibly sad” event, while also noting the inevitable political consequences. Frei remarked that the death will have a significant impact, particularly on the Freie Wähler party in Bavaria, where they hold a government role, affecting the party overall. He stated that such an event is impossible to prepare for and that there will certainly be questions that need to be clarified.
When asked about whether politicians, given their demanding schedules, might sometimes neglect signals from their bodies, the Union chairman confirmed this possibility. He reasoned that in the profession of politics, sick leave is generally not an option. Consequently, many people in their field tend to possess “above-average physical robustness.” Nevertheless, he concluded that some warning signs are inevitably overlooked. Frei emphasized the profound nature of the experience, noting that it serves as a stark reminder that people are vulnerable and that associated risks can actually materialize, shifting the perspective from something initially unreal to the reality of life.
Other politicians have already commented on the passing of the Freie Wähler leader. Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) posted on X that Aiwanger’s sudden death is an “absolute tragedy,” adding, “We are all deeply shocked. Our thoughts are now with his family and his children. We mourn with them and pray for them.”
The 55-year-old Aiwanger was found deceased at a hotel in Berlin on Wednesday. While the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, reports suggest there is no indication of foul play.
