Munich's hosting of the Olympic event is considered a calamity by the Olympic Association
In the heart of Bavaria, the city of Munich is currently considering a bid for the Summer Olympics, a decision that has sparked a significant debate among its residents. The NOlympia Munich alliance, a group composed of Tobias Ruff from the ODP, Stefan Jagel from the Left Party, Florian Kaiser from the Nature Conservation Association, Daniela Vogt from the Federation of Munich Citizens' Initiatives (BMBI), and Green state parliamentarian and deputy parliamentary president Ludwig Hartmann, is leading the opposition to this proposed bid.
The primary concerns of the NOlympia Munich alliance revolve around the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of hosting the Olympics. Ruff, a member of the alliance, has highlighted the need for massive savings if Munich were to host the games, given the city's existing debt. Hartmann, too, has raised concerns about the rising property prices and rents that could ensue, further burdening the city's residents.
One contentious issue is the IOC's demand for tax exemption from the host country. This demand has sparked debate, with Hartmann expressing his reservations. On the other hand, the IOC is currently working on a professional poster for Munich, while the NOlympia alliance has only had a temporary purple poster made by volunteers.
Environmentally, the sealing of former meadows and fields, as planned for the Olympic Village, is a significant concern for Vogt from BMBI. She finds this move to be a "huge mistake," as Munich is growing and needs green spaces for its residents. The alliance also expresses concern about the sealing of areas, implausible promises regarding public transport, the construction of temporary one-time sports facilities, and the incalculable costs for the city.
The NOlympia alliance is preparing a large campaign with actions and information stands after the summer break, with the hope of gaining more supporters. Ruff expects 2,000 posters to be hung throughout the city once the summer break is over. Jagel, a member of the Munich Left, has also expressed concern about the athletes' housing after the games, citing the 4,000 apartments built in Paris last year, which are not becoming social housing and are being offered at higher prices.
Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) has promised that there will be no bid for the Summer Olympics without the support of Munich residents. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Munich will proceed with its bid for the Olympics in 2036, 2040, or 2044, and whether the NOlympia Munich alliance's concerns will be addressed.
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