Hamburg residents again oppose Olympics

The majority of Hamburg's German residents rejected participating in a legitimate popular referendum on hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, leading the city to withdraw from the race to bid for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Olympics. Approximately 50% of eligible voters took part in the referendum, with opponents expressing concerns about financial costs, pressures on infrastructure and housing, while supporters believed it would boost the city's development and attract investments. This rejection marks a new setback for Hamburg's government efforts, coming after their previous rejection of hosting the 2024 Olympics in a referendum 11 years ago.