Berlin’s governing body is pushing forward with its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, sparking debate about the city’s priorities and the potential for democratic oversight. A proposal to establish a 24-member advisory board, reportedly to be approved by the Senate on Tuesday, signals a renewed commitment to the ambitious project. This body will include prominent figures from politics, business, social sectors and sports, co-chaired by Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) and Senator for the Interior and Sports, Iris Spranger (SPD).
The inclusion of star athlete Malika Mihambo, a decorated world and Olympic champion in the long jump, is being touted as a strategic move to garner public support. However, critics are pointing to the significant lack of opportunity for direct citizen participation. Berlin’s constitution precludes a referendum on the Olympic bid, effectively removing the power of a direct vote from the city’s residents.
The advisory board’s stated purpose is to bolster acceptance of the Games within Berlin. While proponents emphasize its role in providing valuable counsel to Berlin’s Olympic Commissioner, Kaweh Niroomand, who assumed the role in July 2025, concerns are being raised regarding the board’s composition and the potential for it to serve as a rubber stamp for pre-determined policy directions. The frequency of meetings, scheduled every two weeks until September 2026, suggests a concerted effort to control the narrative and proactively address potential criticisms.
The move also draws attention to broader questions surrounding the financial commitments and infrastructure investments required for hosting the Olympics, particularly at a time when Berlin faces other pressing societal needs. While the Games are presented as an opportunity for economic growth and international prestige, skepticism remains regarding the equitable distribution of benefits and the long-term impact on the city’s resources. The creation of this advisory board, without a direct democratic mandate, intensifies scrutiny of the government’s approach to a project with potentially far-reaching consequences for Berlin.