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Munich decides: Olympic bid with record participation!
On October 26, 2025, 1.1 million Munich residents will vote on an Olympic bid for 2036, 2040 or 2044.
Munich decides: Olympic bid with record participation!
A possible bid for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics will be voted on in Munich on October 26, 2025. Around 1.1 million citizens are allowed to cast their votes, and the high turnout of over a third (33.7%) shows that the topic concerns Munich residents. Loud tz.de This is the highest turnout in a referendum in Munich, even higher than in the vote to build the arena.
The referendum wants to clarify whether the city should consider applying for the 2036, 2040 or 2044 games. Proponents expect the Olympic Games to give a boost to urban development, especially in housing construction and public transport. Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) emphasizes that the existing sports facilities from 1972, such as the Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Hall, can be used for sustainable implementation. The plan is to also hold competitions in surrounding towns, such as rowing in Oberschleißheim or swimming in Lake Starnberg, which could reduce the burden on the city.
Voices of the people of Munich
Opinions among Munich residents are divided. Arvid Trapp and Theresa Ullmann (34) from Neuhausen are optimistic and vote for the application. They praise the sustainable approaches and the opportunity to further develop the city. Judith Ledvina (88) has positive memories of the 1972 games and also supports the application as many sports facilities are already in place.
On the other hand, there are also critical voices. Lennart Söncksen (27) decided against the application in order to emphasize the social aspects, especially the tense living conditions. Christina Husband (31) and Leonie Brugger (25) also fear rising costs and would like investments to be distributed more fairly, for example to invest more in education and infrastructure.
Criticism and concerns
The critics, embodied by the “NOlympia” alliance, warn of possible debt and rising living costs. They point to the cost explosions seen in other cities, such as Paris for the 2024 Olympics. They also fear gentrification, where rents could skyrocket as a result of the games. Opponents of the application are questioning the sustainability and economic viability of the games.
An important aspect is achieving the quorum so that the referendum becomes binding. At least ten percent of those eligible to vote, i.e. around 110,000 people, must take part. More than 100 polling stations were open on voting day. The very first results of this vote are expected around 7 p.m., while the decision on the candidate city will be made by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) in autumn 2026.
The decision of many Munich residents is symbolic not just for a sporting event, but for the future of the city and the way it wants to develop further. The discussion about the Olympic bid will certainly fill a few more pages.