Hermann Gröhe, President of the German Red Cross (DRK), has expressed serious concerns regarding Germany’s preparedness for civil protection and public safety. Speaking to the news portal T-Online, Gröhe stated that the nation is “by far not good enough” in its civil defense capabilities. While he acknowledged the “Pact for Population Protection,” introduced by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) as a positive initial step, he warned that failing to take the matter seriously could lead to a high cost in a real crisis, emphasizing that no defense capability exists without civil defense.
A major point of criticism from the former CDU Federal Minister of Health revolves around the lack of adequate integration of recognized aid organizations into defense planning. Gröhe demanded greater consultation, stating, “Anyone counting on us has to talk to us.” He highlighted that the DRK was not involved in the preparations for the German Operations Plan or the Population Protection Pact. Furthermore, he expressed dismay that certain expectations the Bundeswehr has for the DRK were, for security reasons, kept secret from the Red Cross. “This cannot and must not happen,” Gröhe asserted. “Anyone relying on our help cannot leave us in the dark.”
Gröhe also appealed for improved conditions for volunteers operating in civil protection. He noted that while the THW and fire departments have clear regulations regarding exemptions for training and deployment, the recognized aid organizations lack similar protections. He pointed out that many helpers are forced to take statutory vacation to aid others. “This is hardly manageable,” he said. “Those who contribute equally during operations should not be treated unequally. Volunteering requires not just praise, but fair conditions.”
Looking ahead to planned reforms in the healthcare and nursing sectors, Gröhe offered warnings about the potential negative impact on DRK offerings. He strongly opposed plans suggesting that increases in nursing and health insurance wages would no longer be automatically refinanced, stating these policies must “under no circumstances be decided hastily.” When asked if these reforms threaten the existence of DRK services, Gröhe replied yes. He explained that established services may not be sustainable if they become permanently uneconomical, leading, for example, to fewer nursing facilities, even though they are needed desperately.
