Hermann Gröhe unanimously elected new German Red Cross president

A former health minister steps into a new role. How will Hermann Gröhe’s political background shape the future of Germany’s largest aid group?

, and Administrator

2025 November 30 . 1:01 AM

1 min read

This image is clicked on the roads. To the left, there is ambulance. To the right, there is a tent... — This image is clicked on the roads. To the left, there is ambulance. To the right, there is a tent under which many people are standing. There is also table and chair in the right of the image.

Red Cross elects former Federal Health Minister Gröhe as new President - Hermann Gröhe unanimously elected new German Red Cross president

Hermann Gröhe has been elected the new president of the German Red Cross (DRK). The organisation’s federal assembly chose him unanimously to take over from Gerda Hasselfeldt. Gröhe, a CDU politician from North Rhine-Westphalia, brings years of government experience to the role.

Gröhe previously served as Germany’s federal health minister from 2013 to 2018. Before that, he held positions such as general secretary of the CDU. His political background contrasts with the DRK’s non-partisan focus on humanitarian work.

Gröhe now heads an organisation with deep roots in German society. The DRK’s extensive network of volunteers and professionals will continue delivering aid across the country. His leadership will shape the group’s response to future challenges in humanitarian work.