Newly-appointed Brazil Sports Minister Leonardo Picciani said that all infrastructure for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro "will be ready before they begin in August, including a much delayed metro line," according to Boadle & Marcello of REUTERS. Picciani said, "All the obligatory infrastructure will be finished in time." He added that "even facilities that are behind schedule will be ready," such as the velodrome that is 86% finished and training facilities that are in the final phases of construction. Buffeted by political crisis and a severe economic recession, Brazil is "scrambling to prepare for the Games that start on Aug. 5." Picciani said that interim Brazil President Michel Temer has made hosting a successful Olympics "a top priority of his incoming government as he endeavours to restore confidence in Brazil's once-booming economy." Turmoil and economic slump "have dampened enthusiasm among Brazilians," and the "lack of Olympic buzz is evident in tickets sales that are below plan." Picciani said that Brazilians "are known for leaving everything to the last minute and excitement will pick up as the Games draw closer." Picciani: "I'm sure they will be a success at the box office too" (REUTERS, 5/19).
