President of IFRC to resign amid controversy in Italy
An extraordinary general meeting may be convened in December to elect Francesco Rocca's successor.
Keystone / Magali Girardin
Francesco Rocca, the President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Geneva, is set to step down following a controversy in Italy.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/amva
The news of Rocca’s departure was shared internally, according to independent sources cited by Swiss news agency Keystone-SDA on Thursday. A spokesperson for the IFRC stated that Rocca will continue in his role until an extraordinary general meeting is held to select his successor.
When approached for comment by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the IFRC did not immediately respond.
As the right-wing president of Italy’s Lazio region, Francesco Rocca withdrew his support for the Pride march in Rome. In a press release, he expressed that the region’s name should not be used to endorse actions that promote illegal behavior, specifically referring to the practice of surrogacy.
While Rocca stated that his decision to resign is not directly linked to this particular incident, he conveyed his “deep sadness” in a letter addressed to the organisation’s 192 members and secretariat. He expressed his desire to protect the IFRC and prevent any potential manipulation of his decisions as the Lazio president, which could impact the international institution. Rocca recognised that every decision could be subjected to manipulation, regardless of intentions.
According to sources mentioned by Keystone-SDA, an extraordinary general meeting may be convened in December to elect Rocca’s successor. Currently serving his second term, Rocca was re-elected in June 2022.
He was elected as the head of the Lazio region last year with the support of Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni’s coalition, which advocates for “traditional” family values.
The far-right party, Fratelli d’Italia, led by the prime minister, has proposed legislation to extend the existing ban on parental surrogacy to Italians who seek surrogate mothers abroad.
The decision by the Lazio region is based on their belief that the public statements made by the organisers of the Roma Pride march, including calls for the rights of same-sex couples to adopt children and access fertility treatments, as well as calls for the legalisation of surrogacy, violate the sponsorship criteria set by the region.
Roberto Gualtieri, the left-wing mayor of Rome, criticised the region’s decision.
Popular Stories
More
Life & Aging
Zurich: how the world capital of housing shortages is tackling the problem
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
Ex-sect member sentenced in Zurich for sexual abuse
This content was published on
Zurich District Court has sentenced a former member of the globally active sect "Children of God" to a partial prison sentence.
SNB chairman does not rule out slowdown in Swiss growth
This content was published on
Martin Schlegel, chairman of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), does not rule out a weakening of the Swiss economy in light of the tariff dispute.
Swiss NGOs abroad to receive 10% less federal funding
This content was published on
In 2025 and 2026, Swiss NGOs will have 10% less federal funding available for international cooperation than in the previous two-year period.
Swiss parties spent less than CHF1 million on February green vote
This content was published on
Swiss political parties spent CHF 700,000 ($840,000) on campaigns in the run-up to the overwhelmingly defeated vote on February 9, according to the Swiss Federal Audit Office.
This content was published on
Swisswool, the largest Swiss wool processor, is not accepting any wool for the first time this spring. For many sheep farmers, the only option is to get rid of the wool.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Canton Geneva promises CHF40 million to troubled Red Cross
This content was published on
The Geneva cantonal government has pledged CHF40 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is in financial difficulties.
Ex-minister called to help steer Swiss Red Cross out of crisis
This content was published on
Ex-minister Simonetta Sommaruga is being called to head the crisis-hit Swiss Red Cross and has shown interest, reports the NZZ am Sonntag.
Troubled ICRC asking Swiss government for help, says newspaper
This content was published on
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is in financial difficulties and has reportedly asked the Swiss government for help.
Swiss Red Cross president steps down after damning report
This content was published on
The President of the Swiss Red Cross has resigned for “health reasons” following heavy criticism of her leadership style.
This content was published on
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is carrying out larger than expected cuts to humanitarian staff and offices.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.