In the wake of the sudden passing of Bavarian Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Freie Wähler), Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) has ordered official mourning flags. Söder announced the measure in Munich on Thursday and confirmed he will renew the flags on the day of the funeral.
The CSU leader expressed deep distress over the death, stating, “Hubert Aiwanger’s death is a shock. It brings into sharp focus our own humanity.” He added that Aiwanger’s loss creates “a deep void in Bavarian politics, but also in the hearts of many people,” a feeling reflected not just in political news, but outside it as well.
Söder praised the Freie-Wähler leader, describing him as a “true man of character, a strong Bavarian, and a good economy minister,” yet also noting that he was a “compassionate person.” He added that Aiwanger was a politically humble but highly committed and diligent politician who cared about major issues, but especially about countless smaller ones. Minister-President Söder also announced his intention to continue the current “bourgeois liberal-conservative political” approach in alignment with Aiwanger’s principles and in partnership with the Freie Wähler.
Aiwanger, who was 55 years old, was found dead on Wednesday at a hotel in Berlin. While the exact circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear, there are currently no indications or evidence pointing toward foul play.
