Bucharest 2020 Bid Falls at First Hurdle

A proposed bid to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics in Budapest has fallen at the first hurdle after the plans were rejected by Bucharest City Hall Councillors. A vote was cast narrowly against the proposal by the Mayor Sorin Oprescu. A majority of 28 votes were needed in order for the plans to be progressed but the bid only received the support of 22 Councillors.

After a half hour debate on the topic and despite only 8 Councillor’s voting against the idea, crucially 20 members abstained from voting which proved the bid’s downfall. Oprescu had come out saying that the hosting of the Games would act as a catalyst for development, including improving the city’s infrastructure and boosting the Romanian economy.