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Berlin Withdraws Olympic and Paralympic Bid

Berlin withdrew after weak DOSB scoring plus loss of political, public backing, leaving Munich and Rhein‑Ruhr as Germany’s remaining contenders.

Overview

  • Officials confirmed the withdrawal at a Rathaus press conference, with Mayor Kai Wegner and Olympic commissioner Kaweh Niroomand announcing the decision to avoid a likely poor showing at the DOSB vote.
  • The DOSB evaluation ranked the three concepts with Munich on 87 points, Rhein‑Ruhr on 85 and Berlin+ on 75, a gap Berlin’s backers said made a national nomination unlikely.
  • Berlin’s campaign cited the absence of a binding city referendum, a strong NOlympia movement and a recent political shift that left key figures like Elif Eralp opposed to the bid.
  • DOSB president Thomas Weikert said the organisation accepted and regretted the withdrawal while the national selection now narrows to Munich versus Rhein‑Ruhr ahead of the Baden‑Baden vote.
  • Analysts say the decision raises questions about Berlin’s appetite for large international events and further cements Munich’s growing role as Germany’s primary host city for major sport competitions.