German State Leaders Promote Olympic Bid on Instagram

North Rhine‑Westphalia Minister‑President Hendrik Wüst, Bavarian Minister‑President Markus Söder and Berlin Governing Mayor Kai Wegner posted a 22‑second Instagram video urging support for a German Olympic bid. The video, released on Thursday, accompanied the final regional concept that must be submitted to the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The DOSB will decide on the national candidate on 26 September, choosing between bids for the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Games. Berlin proposes a joint bid with Saxony, Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern and Brandenburg, while Munich and the Rhine‑Ruhr region (including Cologne) also compete. Hamburg withdrew after a negative citizen referendum. Public backing remains high in the involved regions, with recent referendums showing around two‑thirds support.