Berlin Withdraws Its Olympic Bid – Kretschmer Disappointed

Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer was very disappointed by Berlin’s withdrawal of its Olympic bid. “This is bitter—a huge missed opportunity for Berlin,” said the CDU politician on the sidelines of a papal visit to Rome. Elections play a major role in determining future prospects and opportunities, Kretschmer emphasized. “And Berlin has now been deprived of this one.”

Two days before the decision on the German candidate was to be made, Berlin withdrew its bid. The city had planned to bid jointly with Brandenburg, Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania under the “Berlin+” concept to host the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Olympic and Paralympic Games. However, ahead of the German Olympic Sports Confederation’s (DOSB) decision on Saturday, Berlin was considered a clear underdog behind Munich and Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr. The capital had budgeted up to six million euros for the costs of the bid through 2027.

The Left and the Greens Oppose the Olympics—Lower Ratings Than Competitors

There are numerous reasons for the failure in Berlin. In last Sunday’s state parliamentary election, the CDU-SPD coalition, which had pushed the plans forward, was voted out of office. Election winner Elif Eralp (The Left), who could become the new Governing Mayor, opposes the Olympics and had already criticized the bid process and its costs. The Greens, who are expected to be part of the government, also reject the plans.

In addition, on Tuesday, DOSB evaluators gave the Berlin Olympic project a lower rating than its competitors. Munich’s proposal received 87 out of a possible 100 points from the DOSB in an evaluation matrix, while Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr received 85—both were thus rated “very good.” Berlin scored 74.6 points, which was enough for a “good” rating.

Hopes for Markkleeberg

However, Saxony is not out of the running yet, Kretschmer explained. Through the canoe park in Markkleeberg, Saxony is involved in North Rhine-Westphalia’s bid. This bid unites all of Germany. “If we were to talk about 2040 now—marking 50 years of German reunification—that would really be something.”

Sports Minister Armin Schuster also believes Saxony’s chances of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games remain intact with the latest pan-German bid—Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr—and the co-host city of Markkleeberg. “We are confident that the significance of the East German component of the Cologne-Rhine-Ruhr concept will be given appropriate weight in the decision-making process; that would also send the necessary sociopolitical signal.”