Hamburg mayor urges households to back Olympic bid ahead of May referendum

Mayor Peter Tschentscher of Hamburg sent personal letters to more than 100,000 households urging a "yes" vote in the upcoming referendum on 31 May. The referendum will decide whether the city should pursue a bid to host the Olympic Games. The move is described as unusual, and the Hamburg police union has raised concerns about the approach.

The voting papers have been distributed to residents, but public opinion remains split on the potential benefits and costs of hosting the Olympics.