Kabinettsumbau: Vom Wasser in die Politik: Rauhe neuer Sport-Staatsminister

Twice Olympic canoeist Ronald Rauhe has been appointed as the new Federal Minister for Sport in the Chancellor's office. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the move on Instagram, revealing that Rauhe would be replacing former Minister Christiane Schenderlein, who had already moved to the health ministry before the summer break.

Merz expressed his pleasure at Rauhe joining the team in the Instagram video, stating, "Mr. Minister, welcome. I am very pleased to welcome you to the team." The chancellor's decision completes the reshuffle of the federal government following the resignation of Union faction leader Jens Spahn. The position at the chancellor's office was the only one remaining vacant before the summer break.

Interestingly, unlike initially expected, Merz chose a man who grew up in West Germany. Schenderlein, a CDU member, had come from East Germany, and her replacement was met with criticism, especially from eastern state associations. Olympic gold in 2021 marks Rauhe's career finale. The Berlin native specialized in short races of 200 and 500 meters on the water, earning the gold medal in the four-man canoe at the Tokyo 2021 Games, where he wept bitterly after the race.

Rauhe won his first Olympic gold in Athens in 2004 in the double. A Berlin-born sportsman, Rauhe competed in all boat classes from single to four, amassing dozens of gold medals at world and European championships. After his career, the sportsman dedicated himself to advancing the development of racing canoes with the Institute for Research and Development of Sports Equipment (FES) and the interests of athletes.

Since 2023, he has been a member of the European Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission and had campaigned for the appointment of a sports minister or sports minister in the federal chancellor's office. Now, he assumes this position, succeeding Schenderlein, who received the Silver Laurel Wreath from Rauhe last January.