Most Brazilians Believe Rio Olympics Will Have a Negative Impact on Brazil: Poll by Reuters

Most Brazilians are feeling pessimistic about the upcoming Olympic Games, set to commence on August 5 in Rio de Janeiro, based on a study conducted by the polling group Ibope and reported in a local daily.

The survey indicates that 60 percent of respondents believe the games, which are projected to cost approximately 40 billion reais (around $12.2 billion), will ultimately do more harm than good for Brazil. In contrast, only 32 percent feel the event will yield more benefits than drawbacks.

Concerns regarding the Olympics have intensified as Brazil grapples with its most severe recession in decades. Delays and reductions in Olympic preparations, coupled with revelations of significant corruption within construction contracts for Olympic infrastructure, have further fueled public apprehension.

In a similar survey conducted prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, 43 percent of Brazilians expressed optimism about the event, while 40 percent were pessimistic.

The recent poll included responses from 2,002 individuals across Brazil and was carried out from July 14 to 18.