With less than a month to the start of the 2016 Olympic games in RIO de Janerio, angry protesters have taken to the streets of the Brazilian city to protest against the millions of money spent on the games amidst deep austerity cuts in the country.
Rio Janeiro’s finances have deteriorated so much that the country’s government has authorized an emergency transfer of $850 million for Rio’s cash strapped state to help security issues for the games.
Protesters believe the amount could be better spent on Brazil’s stretched public services.
“Apparently the Olympic Games will proceed but houses were removed in the city, pollution in Guanabana bay has not been cleaned, they’ve spent millions and millions and now they’re cutting jobs in education and health, just citing the two most important areas,” said protester, Milton.
The demonstration turned ugly as protesters ran through Rio smashing bus stops and bins.
As the protest threatened to get out of hand, officers fired rubber bullets and chased down demonstrators suspected of vandalism.
Despite the protest, organisers of Rio games said the country is fully ready to host the rest of the world for the 2016 Olympics.
With two Olympic parks (one in Barra, and in Deodoro) the Rio 2016 games will be played out in 32 venues across four zones in Rio de Janeiro , plus in five football co-host cities.
More than 10,000 of the world’s best athletes in 42 sporting disciplines are poised to embark on the journey of a life time in Rio.
Reuters,Press Agency
