A recent survey conducted by a team led by Arndt Leininger at the University of Hamburg indicates that a clear majority of Hamburg residents oppose the city applying for the Olympic Games in 2036, 2040, or 2044. The findings, released by the university on Sunday, revealed that 57 percent of respondents intend to vote ‘No’ in the upcoming referendum, while only 30 percent are in favor, and 13 percent remain undecided.
The survey highlights a distinct shift in public opinion throughout the campaign period. In an initial survey conducted in February and March, the sentiment was much more varied: 33 percent were against a bid, 24 percent supported it, and 43 percent were undecided. Nelly Buntfuß, a scientific assistant at the Political Science Professorship, noted, “Since the first survey, a significantly greater number of those who were previously undecided have positioned themselves against an Olympic bid than in favor of it”. The online poll involved 563 eligible participants in the first round, with 371 of those individuals being surveyed again in the second wave in May.
Regarding the reasons for their stance, respondents cited economic factors, particularly the issue of costs, as the primary reason for their opposition. Concerns over the negative impact on quality of life, as well as environmental and security risks, also contributed to the rejection, albeit to a lesser extent. Conversely, supporters emphasized economic advantages and improved infrastructure as the main draws of the referendum. Project leader Leininger summarized, “Ultimately, economic factors are what respondents prioritize as being particularly important-both when they agree and when they disagree”.
