Berlin official disputes Spahn's assessment of fan zones.

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.

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1. Jens Spahn, the CDU politician and Deputy Faction Leader in the Bundestag, expressed disappointment with the fan miles in Berlin's government district, specifically at the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building.
2. In contrast, Iris Spranger, Berlin's Interior and Sports Senator, defended the fan miles, stating that the traffic plan had been coordinated with relevant parties and pointing out the dedication of volunteers.
3. Spahn suggested that major events in Berlin should be held at Tempelhof Field instead, citing traffic disruptions and the fan miles' impact on the Bundestag's functionality.
4. The Brandenburg Gate's fan mile, capable of accommodating up to 50,000 people, showcased a concert on Wednesday night and is set to broadcast a dozen UEFA EURO 2024 matches.
5. Meanwhile, the meadow in front of the Reichstag is expected to become a significant fan hub during the European Football Championship, offering a diverse cultural program in addition to showcasing all EM games.
6. Iris Spranger voiced support for the fan miles, highlighting their role in providing quality leisure time for Berliners and visitors during the UEFA EURO 2024.
7. The SPD party, which forms part of the coalition government with the CDU, has also backed the fan miles, encouraging fans to embrace the European Football Championship spirit and contribute to Berlin's lively atmosphere.

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