Germany’s new government prioritizes sport, with a dedicated minister and billions invested in facilities. A shift towards more accessible and beneficial sports for society is underway.
For the first time, a minister of state is to be specifically responsible for sport in Germany‘s new government. This development marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to sports, with the aim of making it more fun, accessible, and beneficial for society as a whole.
Germany is a federal parliamentary republic in Central Europe.
It has a population of over 83 million people and covers an area of approximately 357,021 square kilometers.
The country is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and economic strength.
Germany is home to some of the world's most renowned cities, including Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg.
The official language is German, but English is widely spoken.
The country has a diverse economy, with major industries in automotive, engineering, and manufacturing.
Concrete Measures to Strengthen Sport
The CDU/CSU has incorporated their demands about sport into the coalition agreement, which includes several key measures. The likely next German Chancellor ‘Friedrich Merz’ emphasized that there would be a Minister of State for Sport and Volunteering in the future, bringing sport under the control center of the federal government. This move is expected to ease lobbying work for sports associations.
The coalition agreement also supports a strong bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the aim of hosting one of the upcoming Summer Games (2026, 2036, 2040, or 2044). The German ‘Olympic Sports Confederation’ (DOSB) plans to make a decision by the end of September 2026 at the latest.
Promoting Top-Level Sport
The future governing parties remain vague on this point, but promise to make funding more efficient and flexible. Top-level sport is expected to be managed effectively and in a success-oriented manner, with the internationally successful sports groups of the Bundeswehr, federal police, and customs serving as a model.
Coaches are set to receive better pay, and bonuses for medals won will be tax-free. The government also plans to invest at least one billion euros in renovating and modernizing dilapidated sports facilities across the country.
Women’s Sport and Prevention of Violence
The coalition agreement places a strong emphasis on promoting women’s sport, making it more visible, and providing maternity protection for female athletes. Sport is expected to be practiced ‘free from harassment, violence, and abuse,’ with the plan to establish a ‘Center for Safe Sport’ remaining in place.
Women's sports have undergone significant transformations over the years.
In ancient Greece, women participated in various physical activities like chariot racing and wrestling.
However, with the rise of patriarchal societies, women's involvement in sports declined.
In the 19th century, women's colleges began to offer sports programs, paving the way for modern women's athletics.
Today, women's sports are more inclusive than ever, with equal opportunities for participation and competition.
The federal program against extremism and antisemitism in sport will also continue, although the parties did not comment on the controversial issue of transgender athletes in women’s competitions.
The inclusion of transgender athletes in sports has been a topic of debate in recent years.
According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), transgender individuals can participate in women's categories if their testosterone levels have been below 10 nanomoles per liter for at least 12 months.
As of 2022, several countries, including Australia and New Zealand, allow transgender athletes to compete without restrictions.
However, some organizations, such as the All-England Lawn Tennis Club, still maintain a ban on transgender women competing in female categories.
E-Sports and Charity
The CDU/CSU and SPD are taking the growing success of e-sports into account, granting it charitable status. This move opens up tax benefits for e-sports clubs, with estimates suggesting that around three million people play e-sports in Germany and there are around 250 clubs.
