“For health reasons”: Schmid-Federer resigns as chairman of the Red Cross

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After twelve years of involvement with the Red Cross – eleven years as president of the SRK Zurich, three years as vice president of the SRK and one year as president of the SRK – Barbara Schmid-Federer (57) has resigned from the SRK with immediate effect. presidency announced. The step was taken for health reasons, according to a statement from the SRC. “It should also help to bring the public’s attention back to the core issues of the SRC,” it also says.

“The past few months have been intense and stressful for me. The attacks on the SRC’s reputation and on my person have pushed me to the limits of my resilience,” Schmid-Federer wrote in her letter of resignation. “In these demanding times and under the current circumstances, I can no longer exercise the office of president with the strength required to do so.” The president has been on sick leave since last week.

Schmid-Federer emphasizes that her resignation is not related to the report of the Audit Committee. The Red Cross Council took note of the report, but explicitly took a different view of the conclusions.

The role of Schmid-Federer in question

At the end of May, the report caused a sensation. Schmid-Federer had received a bad reference for her work on the dismissal of director Markus Mader (59). An outside company investigated the events surrounding his dismissal – and suddenly the question arose whether Schmid-Federer was not the wrong choice.

The investigative report goes on to say that Schmid-Federer’s behavior in the Red Cross Council and towards Mader showed “little aptitude and will to lead”. We are talking about a lack of courage to face challenging or uncomfortable situations.

“Thanks to all staff and volunteers”

Schmid-Federer initially did not comment on the results of the studies published in the report. She did later send a statement on behalf of the Red Cross Council and criticized the report on a number of points.

So now Schmid-Federer takes off his hat. “I will have close ties with the SRC for the rest of my life and continue to support its activities as a donor. I would like to thank all employees and volunteers and wish the Red Cross Council and the entire SRC all the best for the future », she says goodbye. (nad/oco)

Source:Blick