Two and a half years after Prague was considered a candidate for either the 2016 or 2020 Summer Olympic Games, the European Democrat party (ED) has intensified its lobbying effort to get citizens’ opinions as to whether the Olympics should be staged in the city, reports the Czech Business Weekly.
On January 26 the European Democrats attempted to push through a proposal in Prague City Council to hold a local referendum on whether the city should continue preparing its bid to host the 2016 or 2020 Summer Games.
Karel Fischer, an ED member of the city council said, “we believe than an event of such proportions can’t be organized or continue to be planned without Prague residents having their say”.
The council rejected the proposal after it was opposed by dominant Civic Democrats and Social Democrats, saying that holding a referendum on Prague’s Olympic bid as general and municipal elections approach would be an “irresponsible move”. Elections are being held June 2-3.
But according to Fisher the European Democrats, who have repeatedly expressed their scepticism about the merits of an Olympic bid, were contemplating drafting a petition to force the referendum through.
Prague Mayor Pavel Bem said public opinion will play a significant role in the city council’s decision on whether to submit an Olympic bid. He added that the city government would only support hosting the Games if they were sure to bring financial benefit to the city.
Meanwhile independent polls conducted last year by the Dema and Median research agencies differed considerably.
Prague Deputy Mayor Jan Burgermeister said the public needs more information about the Olympic bid, and that the call for a referendum is premature. He said that the city council would release more details on a potential bid this February of March.
