The Paste Olympics page has seen plenty of stories so far with headlines stating that not everything in Rio is going to plan.
As the Associated Press reports, Governor Francisco Dornelles recently reinforced those fears with Rio daily newspaper O Globo.
In a candid interview, Dornelles said the city is still waiting for a 2.9 Brazillian real ($860 million) bailout from the country’s government after announcing an impending “”financial calamity last week.
Without those funds, Dornelles warned that police patrols will cease due to a lack of gas money and the planned metro line will also shuttdown. This metro is especially important, as it serves as the main line of transport for tourists to reach the games.
Rio’s mayor Eduardo Paes attempted to glaze over his city’s financial failure on Twitter last week, saying he wished to renew confidence that Rio “will put on some exceptional Games.”
However, despite Paes’ efforts, Dornelles says the situation looks dire. “I’m optimistic about the games, but I have to show reality,” said the governor. “We can have a great Olympics, but if some steps aren’t taken, it can be a big failure.”
Read our insider interview with Rio native and former AP journalist Juliana Barbassa for more insight in the country’s Olympic struggles as the fast approaching start of the games on Aug. 5 looms closer.