Brazil’s Political Turmoil And The 2016 Summer Olympics

Men compete in the 100m round 1 during the Athletics test event at the Rio Olympic Stadium. The track and field test event is the last of more than 40 tests events for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with the games opening in less than three months.
Men compete in the 100m round 1 during the Athletics test event at the Rio Olympic Stadium. The track and field test event is the last of more than 40 tests events for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with the games opening in less than three months. Felipe Dana / AP Photo
Men compete in the 100m round 1 during the Athletics test event at the Rio Olympic Stadium. The track and field test event is the last of more than 40 tests events for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with the games opening in less than three months.
Men compete in the 100m round 1 during the Athletics test event at the Rio Olympic Stadium. The track and field test event is the last of more than 40 tests events for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics with the games opening in less than three months. Felipe Dana / AP Photo

Brazil’s Political Turmoil And The 2016 Summer Olympics

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The Mayor of Rio de Janeiro has said that Brazil’s current political turmoil, including the upcoming impeachment trial of the country’s president, will not impact the 2016 Olympic Games. The Mayor has also said that there is “zero corruption” involved in the various city projects that are tied to the Olympics. 

But federal prosecutors are investigating several projects directly linked to the Olympics, including the expansion of Rio’s metro, because of suspicion of corruption. Dave Zirin, sports editor for The Nation, has been in Rio reporting on the upcoming games. He joins us to talk about the situation in Brazil and the 2016 Summer Olympics.