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More Upheaval In Brazil Ahead Of The 2016 Rio Olympics

Syuzanna Petrosyan |
August 14, 2013 | 12:48 p.m. PDT

Executive Producer

2014 World Cup Protests in Bahia, Brazil (Creative Commons)
2014 World Cup Protests in Bahia, Brazil (Creative Commons)
The head of the Olympic Public Authority (APO), Marcio Fortes, delivered his letter of resignation, raising concerns about Brazil’s handling of the preparations for the upcoming Games. 

The resignation of one of the most senior figures involved in planning of the 2016 Olympics comes just two weeks before a team of inspectors from the International Olympic Committee were scheduled to visit Rio. 

Fortes, who was responsible for coordinating efforts between the national and municipal governments, has faced resistance in his job and had concerns regarding the growing marginalization of APO, reports the Brazilian publication Folha de S. Paulo. 

The 2016 organizing committee, a private group responsible for organizing the 2 1/2 week event, has had two CEOs, three chief operating officers and is on its fourth marketing director since securing hosting rights in 2009.

This latest upheaval comes amidst public discontent regarding government’s spending on the Olympics as well as the World Cup. 

Brazil has committed billions toward infrastructure including security, telecommunications and energy projects for both Games.

There have been nationwide protests amid reports of significant budget overruns. 

On Tuesday, clashes erupted again in Brazil in a months-long series of protests against Rio de Janeiro Gov. Sergio Cabral.

Demonstrators contend Cabral is corrupt and are calling for investigations into the state government's spending on the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.

SEE ALSO: Q & A: The Nature Of The Protests In Brazil

Despite being the most successful nation in World Cup history, a source of unparalleled pride and a common bond of all Brazilians, demonstrators have been calling on fans around the world to boycott next year’s soccer games.

Brazilians don’t want first-world stadiums with third-world schools and third-world hospitals, and they point to the billions of dollars spent on planning the games at the expense of basic needs. 

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