Despite previously expressing doubts, new Guadalajara Mayor Ramiro Hernandez has promised to back the city’s bid to host the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games.

Hernandez made the announcement less than two months after threatening to withdraw financial support for the bid due to criticism over the outstanding debts from hosting the 2011 Pan American Games.

Guadalajara submitted its official bid to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in time to meet last week’s deadline. The shortlist of Buenos Aires, Glasgow, Guadalajara, Medellin and Rotterdam will be narrowed down in February 2013, before a final decision is made on July 4.