Germany no longer looks at money, wants to host the Olympics

Money should not be an obstacle to bringing the Olympic Games back to Germany, Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said in an interview with the Bild am Sonntag newspaper, quoted by the DPA agency. The German official stressed that organizing an event of the magnitude of the Olympic Games is not only financially possible, but also necessary to strengthen the national image and cohesion. "We can afford the Olympic Games and we must afford to organize them. They make our country stronger and better," said Lars Klingbeil. The Social Democratic minister invoked Germany's previous positive experiences in organizing major sports competitions, recalling in particular the 2006 football World Cup, which was considered a major success.

• Sports events, image and cohesion tool

Klingbeil stressed the strategic role of major sports competitions in strengthening a country's international image. "I am convinced that major sports events make our country stronger and represent extraordinary opportunities from which we can benefit. Ultimately, they offer Germany the opportunity to present itself in a positive light," the minister said.

• Four bids for the Summer Olympics

Germany intends to submit its candidacy to organize the Summer Olympics in 2036, 2040 or 2044. Four cities and regions have entered the internal selection race: Munich, Hamburg, Berlin and the Rhine-Ruhr region. The decision on which city will represent Germany in the international competition is to be taken in September. According to Klingbeil, the large number of candidate cities reflects the importance that Germany attaches to the Olympic Games. The finance minister has assured that the federal government will financially support both the bid and the eventual hosting of the Olympic Games, regardless of the chosen city. "Of course the whole country will benefit. No matter where the Olympic Games are held, they will set the whole of Germany in motion," said Klingbeil, who is due to visit the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Germany has hosted the Summer Olympics twice before: Berlin, 1936, Munich, 1972. The 1936 Winter Olympics were also held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.