Pulling a rope around the Red Cross office: Sommaruga is behind BAG-Zeltner

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Former Federal Councilor Simonetta Sommaruga (63) supports Thomas Zeltner (75) as the new Red Cross chairman. Sommaruga admits to Blick that she was officially asked to run for president by the search committee of the Swiss Red Cross (SRK) – “which honors and makes me happy”. The woman from Bern thus confirms a report from “NZZ am Sonntag”, according to which the former magistrate was in talks for the SRK presidium.

Transitional President Zeltner

At the same time, she confirms that – as reported by Radio SRF – the former director of the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), Thomas Zeltner, should now take over the presidency. She welcomes the fact that the Presidency will now be tasked with Zeltner in the short term with a person who knows the organization inside out, “but also that the work of clarification is being taken up and a profile for the future Red Cross Council and Presidium in development ‘ said the SP woman.

The SRK has opted for the strategy of quickly filling its top position with an interim presidency, “that should bring stability and at the same time clarify the necessary structural and personnel matters within a year”.

The goal must be that the SRC can concentrate with its committed employees and volunteers on its indispensable work for people in need.

dispute about divorce

A dispute broke out over the leadership of the aid organization, which resulted in the resignation of SRK chairman Barbara Schmid-Federer (57). The quarrel broke out when the Red Cross Council, the highest governing body, sent SRK director Markus Mader into the desert. The investigation into Mader’s secession resulted in a bad report for the entire Red Cross Council led by former CVP National Councilor Schmid-Federer.

However, the former minister of Justice and the Environment does not close the door completely: she will “remain in contact with the search committee”, Sommaruga emphasizes. A later deployment to the Red Cross seems possible.

“Sommaruga Enjoys Confidence”

Middle group leader Philipp Matthias Bregy (44) is delighted: “Personally, I would have liked a new start now, because the criticism of the investigation report is aimed at the entire Red Cross Council and not just Barbara Schmid-Feder.”

Bregy, head of the SRK rescue dog organization Redog, emphasizes: An election of Zeltner only makes sense if it serves to prepare for this new beginning and start it quickly. And further: “A former federal councilor like Simonetta Sommaruga enjoys the confidence of the population. I have every confidence that the actual new beginning could succeed with her. » However, he would have liked the Swiss Red Cross to work with her to quickly provide stability and prospects for the future.

Source:Blick