Friday, December 5, 2025

Unanimous Vote: Hermann Gröhe assumes the presidency of the German Red Cross, succeeding Gerda Hasselfeldt

The Federal Assembly of the German Red Cross (GRC) unanimously elected Hermann Gröhe as the new President of the organization on Saturday in Berlin. The former Federal Minister of Health succeeds Gerda Hasselfeldt, who led the GRC for eight years and has now been appointed Honorary President.

Gröhe expressed his gratitude for the strong vote of confidence. He emphasized that the volunteers and employees of the GRC embody the organization’s mission: “Hundreds of thousands of people stand for humanity in the name of the German Red Cross – locally and worldwide. To serve as their advocate within our national association and in public is a great honor for me.”

Born in 1961 in Neuss, Gröhe served as a Member of the German Bundestag from 1994 to 2025 and was Federal Minister of Health from 2013 to 2018. Delegates elected him to a four-year term at the head of the GRC Presidium, which defines the strategic direction of the association, sets policy priorities, and oversees the board and national management.

Hans Hartmann, Chair of the GRC Presidential Council, highlighted Gröhe’s profound expertise across all core fields of the organization – from social welfare work to civil protection and humanitarian aid. His election is widely seen as an important signal for the future development of the GRC.

Several additional leadership positions within the Presidium were also filled: Jürgen Christmann was elected Vice President, while Ulrike Würth was re-elected as Vice President. The leadership body also includes representatives of various GRC communities and specialist units, including the Youth Red Cross, Water Rescue Service, Mountain Rescue Service, and the Association of Red Cross Nursing Societies.

The Assembly also recognized the longstanding contributions of outgoing President Gerda Hasselfeldt and former Vice President Dr. Volkmar Schön. Hasselfeldt’s tireless commitment – particularly during the Ahr Valley flood response, the COVID-19 pandemic, and support for Ukrainian people – was especially honored.

With over 457,000 volunteers, more than 211,000 employees, and around three million members, the GRC is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations. Gröhe assumes his new role with the ambition to further strengthen this extensive network and actively shape the organization’s future.