Bach stresses unity, political neutrality ahead of IOC Presidential election

Outgoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach underscored on Monday the principles of unity and political neutrality as critical to safeguarding the future of the Olympic Movement.

The remarks came on the eve of the Opening Ceremony of the IOC's 144th Session at the ancient Greek site of Olympia, after which members will elect a new IOC President on Thursday.

Invoking the words of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Movement, Bach framed the historic gathering as both a symbolic and pragmatic milestone.

"Pierre de Coubertin said, and I quote, the Olympic Games are always a pilgrimage to the past and an act of faith in the future. This is what we are about to do," he stated. "Tomorrow, we will begin our pilgrimage to the past. Then, we will perform acts of faith in the brilliant future of the Olympic Movement."

When asked about advice for his successor, Bach emphasized two non-negotiable priorities. "First, keep putting athletes at the heart of the Olympic Movement. Second, preserve the unity of the Olympic Family," said Bach, who is set to step down in June. "Unity does not mean everyone must have the same opinion. It means all are committed to the same values."

To achieve this unity, Bach outlined two foundational principles. The first is solidarity. "Every member – particularly every Olympic Committee – must be treated equally, must have access to the benefits of the Olympic Movement, and must have the chance to develop, to grow," he asserted. "We must close the gap between privileged and less-privileged Olympic Committees. Each must not only have a voice, but a vote."

The second principle is political neutrality. Bach warned of attempts by "emerging geopolitical blocs to pull the Olympic Movement to their side," as tensions rise in a multipolar world.

"If the IOC takes the position in favor of one or the other, the Olympic Movement would be torn apart. It would not be a global movement anymore. It will just be an instrument, another tool for politics to divide this world even more," he said.