Berlin's city mayor says a German Olympics without the capital won't work

Berlin is positioning itself as the prime candidate to host a German Summer Olympics, citing both its global significance and potential economic impact on eastern Germany, Mayor Kai Wegner stated on Friday. The city is competing with Hamburg, Munich, and the Rhine-Ruhr area to represent Germany in the bids for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Games.

A 2036 Berlin Olympics would mark a century since the 1936 Games, organized under Nazi rule, with supporters emphasizing the symbolic progress the capital has made since that period.

Mayor Wegner highlighted additional advantages of choosing Berlin. "To bring the Games to Germany, there is no avoiding Berlin," he explained during a press briefing about the city's bid. "This would provide a substantial investment for our city and for eastern Germany, enhancing infrastructure, public transport, and housing development."

Despite reunification in 1990, the former East Germany continues to lag economically behind the West, making such investments particularly significant.

The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) plans to select the winning city and the target year for the Games by the third quarter of 2026. Los Angeles is scheduled to host in 2028, with Brisbane following in 2032.

Public opinion in Berlin shows strong opposition, with a recent Civey survey indicating that 67% of residents are against a local bid. By contrast, Munich approved hosting the Games through a referendum in late October, garnering 66.4% support. Hamburg is set to hold a vote in May, while North Rhine-Westphalia will conduct one in April for the Rhine-Ruhr region. Berlin, however, will not hold a referendum.

The last time Germany hosted the Summer Olympics was in Munich in 1972.

Author's Opinion: Berlin’s Olympic Bid – A Chance for Transformation or Unnecessary Risk?

As Berlin positions itself as the prime candidate to host the Summer Olympics, its bid raises crucial questions not only about its symbolic importance but also the practicality and public sentiment surrounding it. The city's mayor, Kai Wegner, emphasizes the potential economic benefits, particularly for eastern Germany, which has historically lagged behind the more prosperous western regions since reunification. Infrastructure improvements and urban development are central to the city’s argument, presenting the bid as a catalyst for long-awaited growth and modernization.

However, the strong public opposition—67% of Berliners, according to recent polls—presents a significant hurdle. Despite Mayor Wegner’s assertions that the Games would bring substantial investment to the city, the lack of enthusiasm from the local population is hard to ignore. This stands in stark contrast to Munich, where a recent referendum resulted in over 66% support for the Games, demonstrating a more favorable reception for hosting the global event in other German cities.

What makes Berlin's bid unique is its historical context. A 2036 Games would mark 100 years since the controversial 1936 Olympics under Nazi rule. The city’s push for a fresh start offers a chance to rewrite that legacy, presenting Berlin not only as a cultural and political capital but as a symbol of progress. Yet, with the economic and social challenges facing the city, particularly in the east, the question remains whether the Games would truly deliver the promised transformation or if it would be an unnecessary burden on an already strained public budget.

Ultimately, Berlin’s Olympic ambitions are caught between the desire for economic revitalization and the reality of public discontent. As the final decision looms in 2026, it is clear that the debate over the city’s suitability as a host city will remain divisive. The future of the bid hinges not just on the potential benefits but also on whether the people of Berlin can be convinced that the Games are a cause worth rallying behind.

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• A German Olympics won't work without Berlin, says city mayor