Helio Magalhaes, head of Citigroup C -0.11 % ’s Brazil operations, believes the Games will yield substantial long-term benefits for Rio and Brazil. “We are selling an illusion of prosperity to the tourists who come,” Mr. da Silva said. ENLARGERIO DE JANEIRO—When their country was awarded the 2016 Summer Olympic Games seven years ago, Brazilians hugged each other and wept in the streets. But public opinion polls indicate that majorities of Brazilians are pessimistic about both the Games and their country’s future. Even though the Olympics has helped his own business, and he’s looking forward to the athletic contests, Mr. da Silva said the Games are merely papering over crises.

Source: Wall Street Journal August 04, 2016 20:20 UTC