(ATR) The Court of Auditors report released last week has led to increased vocal opposition to the Hamburg 2024 bid.
The NOlympia group is beginning its campaign to put an end to the Hamburg Olympic dream ahead of a referendum vote in November. The group is using the findings from the Court of Auditors report to support its cause.
The report suggests there could be serious financial risks assumed by the city if Hamburg goes through with bidding for the Olympics. It raises concerns over signing the host city agreement which makes the city financially liable for cost overruns.
Activists from NOlympia say signing a host city contract that puts liability on the city is irresponsible.
"By opting for an application, the Senate gives the keys of the city to the IOC that secures that all financial risks are held by the city," said activist Florian Kasisk.
The group is calling on the Hamburg Senate to abandon the proposal to save the city from these financial risks.
"The Hamburg Senate has neither an acceptable concept for Olympic Games or a financial plan, and it will continue to show until the referendum shimmering Olympic simulations to keep the people happy", activist Nicole Vrenegor said.
Vrenegor adds that the cost projections have "nothing, but absolutely nothing" to do with reality.
Hamburg 2024 will release more detailed cost projections in mid-September. However, the auditors’ report claims this is not enough time before the referendum vote to allow adequate public debate on the figures.
NOlympia also points out that one of the companies contracted for venue designs and construction was involved in the Berlin airport debacle which involved cost overruns of over $3 billion and four years of construction delays.
The group says this sort of unreliable planning from GMP cannot stand for Olympic development projects.
The city must submit a bid plan to the IOC by September 15 to enter the bid race. Hamburg will hold the referendum on the bid November 29.
Written by Kevin Nutley
Homepage photo: Getty Images
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