Olympic Games' Organisers Mobilised to Stifle Booing of Temer During Opening Ceremony
The organisers of this year's Olympics are planning an operation to "stifle boos" during the opening ceremony due to take place in the Maracanã, on August 5.
Not long after the interim President, Michel Temer, is scheduled to speak on stage, the event's organisers plan to increase the volume of the background music and sound effects, so that they ring out loudly in the stadium.
Folha has learned that the objective of this ploy is to prevent TV reports picking up any awkward booings or verbal abuse that may be directed at Temer from the audience.
The interim President will not participate much in the opening ceremony. His involvement is limited to the simple statement: "I declare the Rio Olympics open, and celebrate the 31st Olympic Games of the modern era."
The speech should not last for more than 10 seconds. The brief appearance of the Head of State is an opening ceremony tradition.
In the opening game of the 2014 Brazil World Cup, then President, Dilma Rouseff, was insulted and booed at least four times.
On the opening day of Rio 2016, roughly 45 Heads of State and government leaders will be welcomed at a reception at the Itamaraty Palace, in the centre of Rio.
Since the Itamaraty Palace is located close to favelas like the "morro da Providência", there will be a tight security system in place during the reception. This will include a road blockade on streets within a one kilometre perimeter of the building. There will not be press coverage.
Michel Temer will welcome the foreign leaders at 5 p.m. at a quick cocktail reception. From there, all the delegations will go on together by bus to the opening ceremony, apart from France and the United States.
For security reasons, these countries will travel to the event in separate transport vehicles.
Temer will watch the ceremony alongside his first lady, Marcela Temer. In the official gallery, at his right hand, will sit 42 invited members of Brazilian government, and on his left, 42 of the IOC's invited guests.
The foreign Heads of State will sit in the middle.
Translated by GILLIAN SOPHIE HARRIS