Aiwanger remains head of the Free Voters: confirmed with 82.3 percent in Straubing!

Aiwanger remains head of the Free Voters: confirmed with 82.3 percent in Straubing!

Hubert Aiwanger remains at the top of the Free Voters in Bavaria. At the state assembly in Straubing on October 25, 2025, he was re-elected with 82.3 percent of the vote. This result shows a decline compared to previous elections, where Aiwanger received clear support in 2021 and 2023 with an impressive 95 percent and even 96 percent in 2018. “I am very happy with the result,” he said and explained that the work is now continuing. Nevertheless, the applause for him at the meeting was long but not overwhelming, indicating a certain reluctance among the delegates.

### Political challenges and expectations

The Free Voters are on the threshold of local elections in March 2026, and Aiwanger sees these elections as central to the party as this is where they have their historical roots. He advocated better financial support for municipalities from the federal government and called for a simplification of federal regulations in the construction industry. Aiwanger also criticized the strict regulations of the federal government and the EU, which, in his opinion, are hindering the German economy. “The economy in international competition must not be restricted,” said Aiwanger, who pointed out the need for a leaner and less bureaucratic approach in order to maintain competitiveness.

The last federal elections were a bitter setback for the Free Voters: only 1.5 percent nationwide and 4.3 percent in Bavaria. Internally, there is resentment over Aiwanger's polarizing rhetoric, and he faces criticism from unions and local politicians. They accuse him of not offering enough concrete solutions. When asked about possible competition for his leadership role, Aiwanger replied that there were no serious challenges in sight.

### News from the board

The board of the Free Voters was also re-elected. Armin Kroder and Michael Piazolo remain as deputies, while Hans Martin Grötsch emphasizes strengthening municipal work in his new role as Secretary General. Susann Enders, Fabian Mehring and Sabrina Neckov are new to the board, while long-standing members Ulrike Müller and Hans Martin Grötsch are no longer running. The chairmanship remains stable, but a clear signature of the new faces can be seen.

### Outlook on future policy

Aiwanger made it clear that the Free Voters do not think ideologically, but rather strive for pragmatic solutions. “We are pragmatists, bridge builders and generators of ideas,” he said, summing up the party’s course. In view of the upcoming challenges in the local election campaign, the party has clear goals in mind: a broader coverage of topics and a strengthening of its positions at the local level, where 14 of the 71 district administrator positions are currently being filled.

With a clear course and a focus on the upcoming elections, Aiwanger shows that he wants to lead the Free Voters into a new political season. The coming months will be crucial in determining how the party can position itself on the political playing field and whether it can win back its voter base.