Temer: Rio 2016 Shows Brazilian Organizational Capacity

(ATR) Brazil's interim president Michel Temer insists the Rio Games are running smoothly and that the event is successful.

Temer delivered a short statement to reporters after an afternoon meeting with Rio 2016 organizers. He did not take any questions. Temer met with Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes, Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman, State Governor Luis Fernando Pezao, and various cabinet members. It was the first time Temer had been in Rio during the Games since August 6, when he attended Judo matches.

After the meetings a spokesperson confirmed that Temer would not be going to any Olympic events today. The spokesperson told reporters the interim president had a personal obligation in Sao Paulo to attend to.

Temer has largely stayed away from the Games after being booed during the Opening Ceremony. The interim president remains deeply unpopular in Brazil. At many events spectators have been seen with shirts and signs calling for the removal of, what they believe is, an illegitimate government. Organizers originally worked to remove the political demonstrations, but a Brazilian judge said that free speech must be protected under the Brazilian constitution.

Even as the demonstrations visibility has increased, Temer believes the Games show how all forms of government staged a successful event.

"What we have seen from the opening ceremony, a wonderful ceremony everyone witnessed, everything has been very smooth," Temer said. "We have just talked about the large number of tourists that have had no incident and are enjoying the games; it has been a very good security situation because of the collaboration between the various levels of government."

Currently Brazil has 14 total medals, although Temer guaranteed "there will be more medals" from the host nation. Brazil’s goal for the 2016 Olympics was to finish in the top 10 countries in total medals. Fourteen medals puts Brazil in 13th place, along with four other countries.

Regardless of where Brazil sits on the medal table, Temer says Brazil was successful in staging the Games. He said that he will be attending the upcoming Paralympic Games, despite skipping the upcoming Olympic closing ceremony.

"There will be worldwide recognition on the Brazilian capacity for organization and the structure of government for an international event," Temer added. "I would also like to stress that the Olympic Games will be closed on Sunday, but as of the September 7, we have another important event with the Paralympic Games.

"I would like to insist in the same passions that Brazilians have expressed for the opening of the Games will be seen for the Paralympics."

Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro

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