Expensive non-Olympic games

Madrid's mayor, Albert Ruiz Gallardón announced today the cost of Madrid's candidacy for the Olympic games of 2016. In total, the failed candidacy has cost the people from Madrid the total of 16.8 million euros. Since 2006, when it was first decided that Madrid would apply as an Olympic city, 37.8 million euros have been spent, out of which the above mentioned 16.8 million have come out of our taxes.

The question is: what have we, the everyday citizens of the city,  gained out of these many millions? A half built stadium, a nearly one year long paralysed underground system and the prospect of suffering the Olympic games. I say suffering because that is what we would do if the Olympic games were to take place here: the prices of everything would go up, the city would be filled with tourists (sure that tourism is a boost for the economy, or that is what the politicians sell us, but it would only be so for the short time the games last for), property speculation and many many more expensive construction works on a city which isn't precisely lacking them.

I can accept that some people can see something positive in hosting the Olympic games, but it is outrageous and I would also add pretty ridiculous, to have spent so much money, our money, on something that we have lost already twice. When did we give our permission for the government to spend our taxes on such an absurd project? Did they consult the residents of Madrid if we wanted to be an Olympic city? Especially after losing the candidature for the 2012 edition.

At least we have the relief that until after the municipal elections of 2012 Madrid will not apply to be an Olympic city again. Hopefully, people will have learnt the lesson and will not vote Gallardón again; but then of course this is only dreaming, because the PP will win yet again and, because it's so great to be an Olympic city, Madrid will also apply for the 2020 candidature. It always surprises me how people don't seem to mind the endless construction works and the millions spent.

Thanks to H for making me aware of this news.