Tagesspiegel: Germany to withdraw bids for Summer Olympics

Berlin authorities intend to withdraw the application to host the Summer Olympic Games in 2036, 2040 or 2044. This was reported by the newspaper Tagesspiegel, citing sources.

The issue of withdrawing the bid was discussed during today's meeting of Olympic Commissioner Kave Nirumanda, outgoing Mayor Kai Wegner and Sports Senator Iris Sprenger. The reason for the decision will be officially announced at a press conference on September 24. Among the cities participating in the competition were Munich and the Cologne/Rhine-Ruhr region. Hamburg withdrew the application in late May.

According to Tagesspiegel, the authorities of Berlin could withdraw the application because of the failed referendum on holding the Olympic Games. A documented survey of local residents could confirm that they support hosting the Games in the capital. However, there is no such referendum in Berlin law.

Another possible reason for the newspaper called the victory in the elections to the capital’s chamber of deputies of the party “Left”. The candidate for mayor of Berlin from the “Left” Elif Eralp opposes the Olympics in the city.