Brazil's acting President Michel Temer not to attend Rio 2016 closing ceremony
IOC President Thomas Bach and Brazil's acting President Michel Temer at the Rio 2016 opening ceremony at Maracanã stadium
After being booed in his brief appearance at the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, interim President Michel Temer is not going to the closing ceremony next week. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the new Tokyo Mayor Yuriko Koike, on the other hand, will be at the ceremony because Tokyo will be the next Olympic city in 2020.
Temer reportedly made the decision following consultations with the Foreign Ministry about the attendance of heads of state at past closing ceremonies in London (2012), Beijing (2008) and Athens (2004). The ministry told him that unlike the opening, it is not customary for country presidents to attend the closing ceremony of the Games.
Rodrigo Maia, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, should go to the closing ceremony on Temer's behalf. It is set to take place at 7:15pm on Sunday (21) at Maracanã stadium.
Even though he is not going to the stadium, Brazil's acting president may have a bilateral meeting with Japan's Prime Minister during Abe's short visit to Brazil.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Brazil's acting President Michel Temer not to attend Rio 2016 closing ceremony
