Introduction to Munich’s Olympic Bid
Germany’s efforts to host the Olympic Games again are facing their first major hurdle. On Sunday, October 26th, the people of Munich will vote on whether their city should apply to host the Summer Olympics for the first time since 1972. This also includes hosting the Paralympics. Not only Munich, but also Berlin, Hamburg, and the Rhine-Ruhr region are hoping to host the games.
Eligibility to Vote
All EU citizens who have had their main residence in Munich for at least two months and who will be at least 18 years old on October 26, 2025, are eligible to vote – a total of around 1.1 million people. For the referendum result to be valid, a voter turnout of 10% is required. The question asked of voters is: “Are you for it?” regarding Munich’s application for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics, scheduled to take place in either 2036, 2040, or 2044.
Expected Result
It’s hard to predict the outcome. In a survey, 48% of respondents said that they were “somewhat” or “completely” in favor of Munich’s Olympic bid. 32% were either completely opposed or somewhat opposed. Around one in five expressed no preference.
Arguments For the Bid
The organizers of the Munich Olympic campaign are marketing them as “Games with heart and soul” – sustainable Olympic Games in a limited space. Ninety percent of the planned sports facilities would be located less than 30 kilometers from the planned Olympic Village in the northeast of the city. Most competition venues already exist. Others would need to be renovated or expanded, and only a few would need to be built from scratch. Proponents believe that hosting the games in Munich would have a positive impact on the economy, housing, infrastructure, mood in the city, and Germany’s image worldwide.
Arguments Against the Bid
Opponents argue that hosting the Olympics would be too expensive. Experts estimate the costs at 18 to 21 billion euros. Critics warn of uncertainties that could lead to even higher costs – for example, if extensive security measures have to be financed due to heated political sentiment. They also fear that real estate prices and the cost of living would rise if the city were to win the right to host the Olympics. There are also environmental concerns, particularly if a mountain bike trail were to be built in the Tegernsee region south of Munich as planned.
Impact of the Referendum
“If it doesn’t work here, it probably won’t work anywhere else,” said Bavaria’s Prime Minister, referring to the other candidates who want to apply for Germany’s Olympic bid. If the people of Munich vote for an Olympic bid, the International Olympic Committee could also interpret this as a strong indicator of the general Olympic mood in Germany. A positive outcome of the referendum in Munich would give the application campaign a boost.
Next Steps
Even if Munich votes against the Olympic bid, the German Olympic Sports Confederation wants to stick to its plan to bring the Games to Germany in 2036, 2040, or 2044. The other candidates, Hamburg and Rhine-Ruhr, as well as Kiel as a potential venue for the sailing competitions, are also planning referendums. The German Olympic Sports Confederation wants to decide which application it will submit to host the Olympic Games by autumn 2026 at the latest. The IOC has not yet announced when it plans to award the rights to host the 2036, 2040, and 2044 Games.
