Half of Brazil oppose Rio Olympics, according to poll

Exactly 50 percent of Brazilians oppose hosting the Olympics in Rio in less than three weeks, a poll released yesterday found

Rio de Janeiro: Exactly 50 percent of Brazilians oppose hosting the Olympics in Rio in less than three weeks, a poll released yesterday found.

The Datafolha poll published in Folha newspaper showed the number of Brazilians unhappy with the hosting of the Olympics has doubled since a similar poll was conducted three years ago. The Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, starting August 5, will be the first held in South America.

Brazil is reeling from its worst recession in decades, a corruption scandal involving many in the political elite, and an impeachment battle likely to see suspended president Dilma Rousseff forced from office.

The poll found 40 percent approval for the Games, compared to 64 percent three years ago. The Games will bring more bad than good to the country, 63 percent of respondents said.

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