Munich votes: Olympic bid for 2036 causes heated debate!

Munich votes: Olympic bid for 2036 causes heated debate!

On October 26, 2025, a decisive vote on the bid to host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, 2040 or 2044 will take place in Munich. The decision is no coincidence: around 1.1 million Munich residents are called upon to cast their vote and thus actively participate in shaping the future of their city. The Free State of Bavaria supports the application, which is described as a “future vision” for the region by Bavaria’s Sports Minister Joachim Herrmann. It encourages all eligible voters to participate and have a say.

The Olympic Games could send a positive signal not only in terms of sport, but also economically and socially. Proponents argue that the games could accelerate urban development measures and the expansion of local transport. A major focus is on creating 4,000 apartments in the newly planned Olympic Village in Munich-Daglfing. The renovation of the competition venues for the 1972 Games is also part of the extensive plan to combine the city's Olympic history with modern demands.

A diverse vote

But not everyone is enthusiastic about the idea. Critics, represented by the “NOlympia Munich” alliance, warn of the negative consequences, such as surface sealing and possible financial risks. The contractual conditions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in particular are met with resistance; it could leave profits with the IOC and impose losses on the general public. Mayor Dieter Reiter also emphasizes that broad social support is necessary for an application.

Munich is not alone with the challenges related to the Olympics. Cities like Hamburg and Berlin are having similar discussions, with Hamburg, for example, planning a citizens' referendum for May 2026. Decisions about citizen participation are also made in the Rhine-Ruhr region. However, Berlin's goal of hosting the games as a symbol of peace and democracy is unclear without an official referendum.

Sustainability and inclusion in focus

The focus of the Munich application is a sustainable concept that also challenges those who benefit from IOC reforms. The plan is to locate 90% of the sports facilities within 30 kilometers of the future Olympic Village, which will offer space for 18,900 athletes and support staff. The Munich Olympic Park will play a central role. The plan envisages using existing sports facilities, supplemented by temporary halls that are intended to create the necessary framework conditions.

A special feature of the Paralympic Games will be that they are intended to promote inclusion and cooperation in sport. The subsequent use of the Olympic Village as a climate-neutral urban district represents a further step towards sustainability. The Olympic Games could therefore act as a catalyst for important social and infrastructural developments.

The citizens of Munich now have the opportunity to have a decisive influence on the future of their city with their vote on October 26, 2025. A positive vote result could not only change the sports landscape, but also shape the image of Munich as a modern, sustainable and inclusive city. It remains to be seen how Munich voters will decide.

For more information on this topic, visit reports from Stmi Bavaria, daily news and City of Munich.