Euro Football Tournament - Berlin official disputes Spahn's assessment of fan zones.
Berlin's Interior and Sports Senator, Iris Spranger, has strongly dismissed the criticism from CDU politician Jens Spahn towards the fan miles in the government district. "The Bundestag and its surrounding institutions are always fully functional and accessible," Spranger said on Thursday. The traffic plan has been coordinated with the relevant parties.
"I'm shocked by his criticism, not just on behalf of all the volunteer and honorary workers who have organized our football cultural summer with great passion and dedication, but also to provide quality time for Berliners and visitors during the UEFA EURO 2024," Spranger added. "I thought a former federal minister would exhibit more foresight."
Spahn, who was formerly the Federal Health Minister and now Deputy Faction Leader of the Union in the Bundestag, criticized the two fan miles at the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building, along with the resulting traffic disruptions, in an interview. "It's annoying." The fan miles also hamper the parliament's functionality, he told the "Rheinische Post." "The fan mile doesn't encourage economic growth."
Moving such events to a different location is what Spranger should consider in the future, Spahn suggested. "I believe that major events in Berlin should be held at Tempelhof Field," he commented.
The Brandenburg Gate's fan mile, which accommodates up to 50,000 people, was unveiled with a concert on Wednesday night. Approximately a dozen of the 51 matches will be broadcast there. Meanwhile, the meadow in front of the Reichstag is set to become a significant fan hub during the European Football Championship. In addition to relaying all EM games, a diverse cultural program will be provided. The UEFA EURO 2024 kicks off on Friday.
