Marx praises Aiwanger’s democratic commitment at funeral

More than 1,000 people gathered at Munich’s Frauenkirche, a church, to mourn the late Bavarian Deputy Minister-President Hubert Aiwanger, BR reported. Some mourners, including people who travelled from Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate, had to follow the service outside over loudspeakers because of the large turnout.

At the pontifical requiem, Cardinal Reinhard Marx said he had been impressed by Aiwanger’s passion and big heart. He described him as combative but also kind-hearted, and said a Frank Sinatra song, “I Did It My Way”, came to mind as he reflected on Aiwanger’s life.

Marx said Aiwanger had inspired many people and drawn them along with him. He had also provoked opposition and suffered personal hurts, the cardinal said, but had always worked through democratic means for the common good. Marx urged people to be grateful to those who engage in politics and said he was troubled by disparaging remarks about politicians and politics.

A state funeral was planned at the Frauenkirche after the service. Aiwanger died unexpectedly last Wednesday at the age of 55.