German Finance Minister: Wants to host the Olympic Games

According to a report by Deutsche Presse-Agentur on February 8th, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has stated that financial issues should not be an obstacle to the Olympics returning to Germany. In an interview with the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, Klingbeil said, "We have the capability to host the Olympics, and we should host the Olympics. The Olympic Games can make our country stronger and better." Klingbeil also mentioned the successful hosting of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and the great enthusiasm sparked by the 2024 Paris Olympics. He said, "I firmly believe that such major sporting events can unite national strength, bring benefits to the country, and ultimately provide an opportunity for Germany to showcase itself in a positive light." Germany is currently planning to bid for the Olympics in 2036, 2040, or 2044, with Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, and the Rhine-Ruhr area all interested in becoming candidate cities. The decision on the bid will be finalized in September of this year.