This time, the deal is done. By decision of its new mayor, lawyer Virginia Raggi, the city of Rome is no longer a candidate for the 2024 Summer Games. The Italian Olympic and Paralympic project had been hanging by a thread since the election, on June 19, of the 5 Star Movement representative as head of the capital.
It finally fell through. This was no surprise, even though rumors in recent weeks had suggested that a less negative outcome was still possible. Clearly, the resolutions of the IOC’s Agenda 2020 did not convince her.
In essence, the announcement by the mayor of Rome did not surprise many people. In terms of execution, however, the day held a few surprises.
Virginia Raggi was supposed to meet Giovanni Malagò, the president of CONI, and some of the leaders of the Italian Olympic movement before officially announcing her decision to the press. They were indeed present at City Hall.
However, Giovanni Malagò and his team left without hiding their anger, explaining that they waited 45 minutes for an appointment that Virginia Raggi simply snubbed.
By implementing an Agenda 2020 aimed at reducing costs and avoiding potential debts, the IOC hoped not to end up with a two-horse race for the Games, as was the case for the 2022 Winter Olympics. It aspired to reignite Olympic fervor in the world’s major cities. The task will take longer than expected.
