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The quarrels over the Swiss Red Cross (SRK) seem unstoppable. Switzerland’s largest aid organization has been largely without a leader since Friday. Former Central National Councilor Barbara Schmid-Federer has announced her resignation as chair of the SRC. After months of fighting and criticism of her management style, she immediately leaves the office.
Longtime director Markus Mader had already been fired. But insiders say more is needed to get the organization back on track. The entire Red Cross Council must make way for a new start, say representatives of the four rescue organizations and the 24 cantonal associations that form the backbone of the Swiss Red Cross.
The first talks went positively
It could even lead to a coup! Former Federal Councilor Simonetta Sommaruga (63) could take over the running SRK, the “NZZ am Sonntag” reports. As a former top politician, the Social Democrat has an unparalleled network. She has management experience and, as a former consumer lawyer and chairman of Swissaid, is also at home in the NGO world. She is said to be heavily courted as a new identifier for the SRK.
Various sources would confirm that initial talks and at least one meeting with the former top politician have taken place. Sommaruga itself could not be reached. But the talks would have gone well. The former federal councilor did not rule out a connection with the aid organization and showed interest.
A difficult desk
“With her profile, she would be an ideal candidate,” said SRK officials. Sommaruga resigned from the state government late last year. She wants to spend more time caring for her ailing husband Lukas Hartmann (78).
Should Sommaruga actually agree, she will be in an awkward position. In the end it was a real ejector seat. Barbara Schmid-Federer is already the second to throw in the towel after a short time. Her predecessor, former health director of the Zurich FDP, Thomas Heiniger (66), threw down the beggar.
“That would be a very positive sign”
The federally structured SRK is considered a demanding institution to be managed, continues the “NZZ am Sonntag”. For years there has been a crisis between the headquarters and the canton associations. This structural conflict has been dormant for some time. That is why a person of integrity is needed at the top of the SRK who has the general interest in mind and can weigh up the various interests.
Mitte group leader Philipp Matthias Bregy (44) is very happy with the name Sommaruga compared to the “NZZ am Sonntag”. The Wallis is chairman of the SRK rescue organization “Redog”: “A former federal councilor as chairman would be a very positive sign and would strengthen the SRK.” (dba)
Source:Blick
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