Eduardo Paes, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro

My Life, My City looks at the person behind the decisions through a Q and A with urban leaders

CITY AND COUNTRY OF BIRTH: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

EDUCATION: Degree in Law

DATE ELECTED MAYOR: October 2008 (term beginning 1 January, 2009)

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Secretary for Sport and Tourism of Rio State Government, Congressman for two terms, Councillor for the City of Rio, and Vice-Mayor of Rio’s West Zone

Why did you become mayor?

I always wanted to become Mayor of Rio because I wanted to transform the life of the Cariocas [people from Rio], to make Rio a city that is more integrated, just, modern and sustainable.

What is your favourite part of the job?

I always say that I have the best job in the world and it is indeed special when we deliver a completed project or finish a programme that improves people’s lives, such as the opening of MAR, Rio’s new art museum.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced since becoming mayor?

Rio is a city full of challenges, but the biggest one is definitely battling against social inequality. We lived through the reality of a divided city for decades–divided between those who enjoyed the ‘Marvellous City’ and the residents of the favelas, forgotten by the public authorities.

What do you think have been your biggest achievements?

We have had important victories over the last four years, such as the infrastructure works in the favelas, which have benefited more than 75,000 families, the extension of basic health coverage to 40 percent of the population, the construction of the TransOeste Bus Rapid Transit, the start of the works in the port area and winning the bid for the Summer Olympic Games in 2016. Yet I am in no doubt that we still have a lot to do.

What was your last overseas trip as mayor?

I was in New York at the end of 2012 to meet Mayor Bloomberg. We are working together on the fundamental mission of making our metropolises more sustainable.

Who is the most interesting person you have met or worked with since becoming mayor?

I had the great satisfaction of visiting the Sambadrome last year with the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, before he passed away.

What do you think of social networking for mayors?

To be a good mayor, it is fundamental to be connected to the residents of the city. That is the only way we can be aware of their needs and that is why social networks are precious tools.

Which other cities do you collaborate with? Is contact formal or informal?

We have 71 sister city, and collaborative, agreements, mainly for historical reasons, but also for specific reasons, such as the Olympic Games.

Where do you expect to be in five years’ time?

I know well where I will be three and a half years from now: receiving millions of tourists and athletes for the Olympic Games. At the end of 2016 I will end my political mandate as the Mayor of Rio, and God only knows what is going to happen after that.

Favourite place in your city and why?

Parque Madureira (Madureira Park). It is an area that was completely in decline. Last June we opened the third largest leisure area there in Rio, with an arena, a skate lane and a huge sports infrastructure.

What are you reading right now?

I am reading a memoir of the ex-President of Catalonia, Jordi Pujol.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Both actually. I wake up very early, before six in the morning, and retire quite late, after midnight.

Hobbies and interests outside of work?

I am passionate about samba and the carioca Carnival, so whenever I can, I love to enjoy this celebratory side of Rio.

Do you have a favourite sport team?

Vasco da Gama, the football team of great players such as Romário and Roberto Dinamite.

Favourite travel destination?

Barcelona, New York and London are some of the cities I admire most and like to visit, not to mention the beautiful cities in the hills in the state of Rio. But nothing can beat my ‘Marvellous City’.

Who is your hero or inspiration?

One of my current inspirations is the former Mayor of Barcelona, Pasqual Maragall, who was mayor of the city during the 1992 Olympic Games.

What advice would you give to the first time visitor to your city?

Go and see the main tourist points of the city, such as Christ the Redeemer and the Sugarloaf Mountain, but don’t ignore the new attractions, like Madureira Park and MAR, Rio’s brand new Art Museum.

What is your life philosophy?

Work. The only way to make projects really happen and to improve people’s lives is by rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in.