vegatripy

In your 20something years you understand Spanish's situation better than most of Spaniards.

In overall. Do you think Rio 2016 was good or bad for the future of the country? Due to the unsolved problems and recession Brazil actually has, do all the investment worth it?

Looking from a country perspective, It was useless. In 1992 we had both the Olympic games in Barcelona, the Universal Exposition in Sevilla and some other big projects like Hispasat satellite. Our government invested tons of public money on those and the result was the biggest public debt we had in our history. The next year we suffered the biggest recession we had ever and our unemployment rate grew up until 24%.

Speaking just about Barcelona.. Well Its hard to tell because Barcelona always was a very touristic and artistic city. Its the closest to Europe, and have so many tourist-baits.. its hard to tell how much Barcelona 92 influenced that. Of course it highlighted his position in maps. Many foreign people still believe Barcelona is Spain's capital. (Just like Sydney and Australia)

But now the truth is Barcelona citizens are sick of tourism. Tourism increased the prices to the top, and nowadays live in Barcelona's centre is almost impossible because most of the apartments are for vacation rental and growing up the rent prices. (actually they're trying to put some limits )

I'm from Madrid and I'm glad we didn't made it to host any of the Olympic Games we applied (from 2010 - 2020. Now we have a new Mayor from a different party and they stop the madness). Tons of money has been already invested and 10xtons of money would be invested if we had won any of the hostings, throwing Madrid in a bigger hole of debt while corrupt politicians would give an important part of that money to their friends, family, or even themselves. That would only feed that big corrupt and fatty baby while making Madrid the most indebted European capital.

I have the same fearings for Rio. I wish the impact will be positive, and help to raise the economy in the whole country. Of course you're going to get more tourist from now, but that's a double-edged sword.