Munich decides: Olympics 2036 – opportunities or risks?

Munich decides: Olympics 2036 – opportunities or risks?

In Munich, citizens are faced with a groundbreaking decision: a referendum on the Olympic bid yesterday caught everyone's attention. The vote on the possible Summer Olympics in 2036, 2040 or 2044 will not only determine the future of sport in the Bavarian capital, but will also have far-reaching effects on urban development, infrastructure and finances. A high turnout was noted late in the afternoon and voting booths closed at 6 p.m. The first results are expected in about an hour, and around 1.1 million Munich residents are eligible to vote Deutschlandfunk reported.

The arguments for and against the application are diverse. Supporters, including Munich's SPD mayor Dieter Reiter and the Bavarian CSU Prime Minister Markus Söder, emphasize the positive effects that the 1972 Olympic Games had for the city. They also attach great importance to the aspect of sustainability, as existing sports facilities from the time of the last Olympic Games will be used. Planned locations include the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Hall, the Olympic Park and other sports facilities in the region. “Hardly any new buildings are needed,” emphasizes Söder, and there is great hope for a positive development boost, especially for the housing situation.

Pro arguments at a glance

• Nachhaltigkeit: Eintreten für die Nutzung bestehender Sportstätten aus 1972 mit lediglich temporären Bauvorhaben für fehlende Sportstätten.
• Stadtentwicklung: Geplante Zuschüsse und Ausbaumaßnahmen im Nahverkehr, unter anderem eine neue U-Bahnlinie Z9 und der S-Bahn-Ringschluss.
• Impulse für den Breitensport: Erhöhung der Begeisterung für Sport, besonders bei der Jugend.
• Wirtschaftsförderung: Großevents bringen Aufträge und Arbeitsplätze, besonders für das Baugewerbe.
• Völkerverbindendes Element: Olympische Spiele fördern den internationalen Austausch.

But critics warn of the financial risks and possible gentrification processes. The NOlympia alliance highlights that the Games left long-term debts in cities such as Montreal in 1976 and Athens in 2004. Above all, the unclear costs for renovations and security measures raise questions that can affect the city and its residents. Environmental concerns about the need for new sports facilities are also a meeting point for the skeptics of the application.

Points of criticism in focus

• Kosten: Hohe Ausgaben könnten zu einer Schuldenfalle werden.
• Unklarheiten über Sportstätten: Ungewissheit über erforderliche Wettkampforte könnte bestehende Sportvereine gefährden.
• Intransparente Prozesse: Die Auswahlzeit und Kriterien des DOSB sind nicht klar nachvollziehbar.
• Steigende Lebenshaltungskosten: Das Risiko, dass Einheimische durch steigende Mieten verdrängt werden, wird angeführt.
• Umweltbedenken: Eingriffe in schützenswerte Landschaften und Moorböden könnten die Natur der Region belasten.

The referendum is therefore not just a vote on the application, but also on the future of Munich. A “yes” to the Olympic bid would be the first step, but the final decisions on the venue remain with the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). This will decide in autumn 2026 which city can enter the race for Germany. The result of the referendum is eagerly awaited, as it could have a long-term impact on the development of the city ZDF Today explained.

Today, the people of Munich are working on a decision that could not only change their city, but perhaps also their lives. A step into the future or a step into the unknown? We are staying tuned and will announce the first results of the referendum soon.

For a detailed look at the arguments, it is also worth taking a look at Süddeutsche.de, where the pros and cons arguments are again comprehensively prepared.