An Interview with Rio’s Mayor Eduardo Paes

In 2009, when Rio de Janeiro won the bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brazil was a success story. With a burgeoning economy and a newfound strength in the global arena, Brazilians perceived the Olympics win as the crowning achievement that confirmed the country’s progress. Seven years later, however, the national sentiment toward the successes and failures of the country has changed dramatically—and the Olympics are now in the eye of a perfect political and economic storm. Enmeshed in criticism about the quality of its infrastructure, costs, environmental setbacks, and health emergencies, the Rio Games now must struggle to prove that the International Olympic Committee’s faith was well-placed. 

Amid crises and controversies, Rio’s mayor spoke to the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center about the risks and achievements associated with the Rio Olympic Games.

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