Munich will not be alone. The referendum held in North Rhine-Westphalia resulted in strong support for a bid to host the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Four million citizens were invited to vote in 17 municipalities across the region, including Cologne, the central point of the projectIn total, 1,4 million people participated, representing 32% of the electoral college, and the "yes" vote won with over 60%.
Up to 76,29% of votes in favor in Aachen
The "Ja" party won comfortably in all the cities concerned. In Dortmund, the "yes" vote won with 68,27%. The score was even higher in Duisburg (72,95%), Wuppertal (72,2%), Mönchengladbach (74,45%), Gelsenkirchen (74,19%), Recklinghausen (72,85%), and Aachen (76,29%). This result sends a strong signal, said Stephan Keller, mayor of Düsseldorf, where the yes vote reached 67,24%. This clear mandate is both an encouragement and a commitment. Now it's a matter of taking the next step with our partner cities towards sustainable, modern, and responsible Games. We are building on existing infrastructure, the proximity of venues, and collaborative planning with local communities. »
Outside the region, Kiel, a contender to host the sailing events, also voted yes with 63,5% of the vote, with a turnout of 29,1%. The city could therefore experience its third Olympic Games after 1936 and 1972. The suspense lasted much of the evening in Cologne, where the yes vote finally emerged decisively: 57,39% of voters supported the bid, and turnout reached 39,7%. The Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, spoke even before the final count to congratulate " a resounding yes » in support of the Olympic and Paralympic Games: » Trusting the people has paid off. Turnout is so exceptional that counting is still continuing in some places. »
One drawback, however: the quorum was not reached in Herten, the town considered to host the mountain biking event. While the "yes" vote was overwhelmingly in favor (73,79%), voter turnout was insufficient (12,55%, whereas the minimum required was 15%). The Ruhr municipality is therefore out of the running, which will necessitate finding an alternative by June. We are facing a dilemma. The number of supporters in Recklinghausen is unequivocal: the residents of our town want the Olympic Games. However, the issue was linked to cooperation with Herten, which is no longer possible. For the municipality, the result in Recklinghausen nevertheless constitutes a clear mandate to continue supporting the region's joint Olympic bid. " commented the mayor of Recklinghausen, Axel Tschersich.
Hamburg's turn in May
Beyond this hiccup, the authorities' message regarding the merits of a bid was heard, which obviously strengthens the region's case. These Games would utilize 100% existing or temporary sports infrastructure, and most venues are located within a 40-kilometer radius of Cologne. 95% of athletes would live in the Olympic Village and could reach their competition venue in under an hour. Guarantees were also presented concerning ticket prices, in a context where those for Los Angeles 2028 are generating considerable controversy.
« The passion for sport, still palpable between the Rhine and the Ruhr and along the Baltic coast, is reflected in these election results. Thomas Weikert, president of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), is delighted.The success of the referendums in North Rhine-Westphalia and Kiel is a clear sign of support for the Olympic movement in Germany and, hopefully, an encouraging signal for the upcoming vote in Hamburg on May 31. Following Munich in the south, North Rhine-Westphalia in the west and Kiel in the north have now secured their support. The conclusion is inescapable: enthusiasm for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Germany is not a regional phenomenon. »
Of the four German candidates, two have successfully passed the referendum stage. Hamburg residents will be consulted on May 31. Berlin, on the other hand, has not planned a vote but intends to hold several public consultations to ensure its feedback is taken into account. The DOSB will choose its candidate at the end of September.
