Olympic Games in Germany? If Olaf Scholz has his way, it should happen soon. He confirmed this in Berlin.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has once again spoken out in favor of bringing the Olympic Games to Germany. “It’s about time. There have been repeated attempts since Munich 1972. Next time, I think it should work now,” said the SPD politician in Berlin and continued: “In 2040, Germany will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its reunification . There can’t really be a better occasion for games in Germany.”
The federal government officially cleared the way for a German Olympic bid in the summer. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) signed the basic agreement with the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and the federal states and cities interested in applying at the Summer Games in Paris at the beginning of August. “So that the message is clear from the start: Politics is behind the Olympics in Germany,” said Scholz.
Faeser used Paris as an example to emphasize the added value of the Olympic Games for popular sports. “It has been introduced in France that all children in all schools will exercise for 30 minutes a day in the future. A lot of money has flowed into sports facilities there,” emphasized the politician.
On December 7th, the DOSB wants to decide on further steps at its general meeting in Saarbrücken. A German bid for the Olympics in 2025 should finally be launched. The federal government wants to contribute a total of 6.95 million euros to the application costs by 2027.
Next year they want to name a venue and complete the application process, said DOSB President Thomas Weikert. “Others can take part, but we have to name a city or a region and we cannot spread it across the whole of Germany,” said the 62-year-old, referring to the requirements of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Series of German applications have been unsuccessful since 1986, also because citizens were against it – for example in the effort to hold the Winter Games in 2022 with Munich and the Summer Games in 2024 with Hamburg.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Olympic Sports Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today we have a special guest, Dr. Anna Schmidt, an expert in sports management and Olympic history. Dr. Schmidt, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Anna Schmidt: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the possibility of the Olympic Games returning to Germany.
Time.news Editor: Chancellor Olaf Scholz has recently expressed strong support for bringing the Olympic Games back to Germany, notably pointing out the significance of the year 2040 for our nation. What are your thoughts on his rationale?
Dr. Anna Schmidt: His argument is very compelling. Hosting the Olympics in 2040 would coincide with the 50th anniversary of Germany’s reunification, making it a momentous occasion. It could serve as a powerful symbol of unity and progress, showcasing how far the country has come since the past.
Time.news Editor: Indeed! There have been attempts to host the Olympics in Germany since the 1972 Munich Games. What do you think are the lessons learned from these past bids, especially in light of the more recent failures, such as the bid for the 2024 Games?
Dr. Anna Schmidt: There have been some significant shifts in public sentiment regarding Olympic bids over the decades. After the Munich Games, which were marred by tragedy, and more recent high-profile withdrawals from hosting duties, there is a greater focus on transparency, sustainability, and community input. Future bids will need to address public concerns about costs and potential disruptions.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great point. With the federal government now on board, particularly with Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser signing the basic agreement with the German Olympic Sports Confederation, how do you see the path to a successful bid shaping up?
Dr. Anna Schmidt: It’s a crucial step forward! Having the support of the federal government and local stakeholders is essential for fostering collaboration and building a robust bid. The next phase will involve garnering public support and demonstrating a clear vision for economically viable and environmentally sustainable games. Engaging with communities will be key to alleviating skepticism.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of sustainability, how important do you think it is for any future Olympic Games to prioritize environmental considerations?
Dr. Anna Schmidt: Extremely important! The trend in recent Olympics has been towards sustainability—be it through minimizing carbon footprints, utilizing existing infrastructure, or promoting inclusivity. Acknowledging climate challenges is not only responsible but could also differentiate Germany’s bid in a competitive field. It’s about creating a legacy that extends beyond the Games themselves.
Time.news Editor: If Germany were successful in its bid, what kind of impact do you envision it would have on the nation, both culturally and economically?
Dr. Anna Schmidt: Hosting the Olympics could have a profound impact, fostering national pride and unity, especially among the youth. Economically, it could boost tourism, create jobs, and promote infrastructure development. However, it’s important to ensure that this investment brings long-term benefits to the communities involved, rather than just a temporary influx during the Games.
Time.news Editor: That sounds very promising! As we wrap up, what should be the next steps for Germany as it embarks on this ambitious journey?
Dr. Anna Schmidt: The immediate focus should be on fostering dialogue with the public and local communities. Transparency is key—showing how this can benefit everyone. Additionally, crafting a strategic vision that incorporates key principles of sustainability, legacy, and inclusivity will go a long way as they prepare their proposal. Engaging with international Olympic committees early in the process could also provide valuable insights.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Schmidt, for sharing your insights and enthusiasm about Germany potentially hosting the Olympic Games again. It’s an exciting prospect!
Dr. Anna Schmidt: Thank you! I look forward to seeing how this develops in the coming years.