#BRAZIL: Rio State Government Takes Control Of Former Olympic Stadium, Cancelling Private Contract

[world politics news]

Rio de Janeiro's state government says it is taking over the running of Brazil's Maracanã stadium, cancelling the contract of a private consortium. Gov. Wilson Witzel said the decision would take effect in April but would not disrupt football matches. Rio's state assembly earlier said it would investigate the contract of the Consorcio Maracanã, saying there were signs of mismanagement and corruption. The consortium said it was "surprised" by the state authorities' decision.

Last year, former Rio Governor Sergio Cabral was sentenced to 12 years in prison, accused of manipulating bids and overinflating contracts for the Maracanã. The stadium was used in the 2014 Fifa World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#BRAZIL: Courts Approve Protests During Olympics; Protesters In Stadiums Removed

[world politics news]

The current political turmoil faced by Brazil has spilled into the Olympics, with reported cases of spectators being physically removed from stadiums for protesting against the country’s interim government. Now, a Brazilian federal court judge says that any suppression of political manifestations by security forces is unconstitutional. That hasn't stopped some protesters from being removed from stadiums.

#BRAZIL: Rio Mayor Welcomes Olympic Corruption Probe

[world politics news]

The mayor of the host city for the 2016 Olympics says he welcomes an investigation by federal prosecutors into possible corruption involving construction projects for the upcoming Games. He said there was no corruption and no bribes involved in creating venues, which he said have come in "under budget and on time." Construction in fact has been notoriously delayed, worrying the International Olympic Committee.

#BRAZIL: Embattled Pres. Rousseff's Sports Min. Resigns Ahead Of Rio Olympics; Coalition Partners Abandon

[world politics news]

Brazil's sports minister has resigned amid a widening political crisis just five months before Rio de Janeiro hosts the Olympic Games. Embattled President Dilma Rousseff is losing support from coalition partners.

#BRAZIL: Senate Suspends Need For Visa For Visitors During 2016 Summer Olympics

[world politics news]

The senate in Brazil has exempted visa requirements for foreigners coming to Brazil during the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The government hopes the move will encourage more tourists to travel to Brazil during the August event.

#BRAZIL: Rio Mayor Breaks Promise: Guanabara Bay Won't Be Clean For 2016 Olympics

[world politics news]