Ronald Rauhe appointed Germany's State Minister for Sport

Ronald Rauhe, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and 16-time canoe world champion, has been appointed as the new State Minister for Sport and Volunteering. In a strategic move, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has relocated this position from the Ministry of the Interior and Family to the Chancellery, signaling that the development of German elite sports is now a top priority for the government.

As a non-professional politician, Rauhe faces significant pressure to deliver increased medal success for Germany. His appointment follows the removal of his predecessor, Christiane Schenderlein, as Merz sought a candidate with higher public recognition to lead the realignment of sports policy.