Rio de Janeiro, August 6 (RHC)-- Brazil's interim President Michel Temer was booed and jeered inside the Maracana stadium Friday evening after announcing the start of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

"I declare open the XXXI edition of the Olympic Games," announced Temer as part of the tradition of heads of state inaugurating the games. But a crowd could be heard whistling and jeering as he uttered the words.

Suspended president Dilma Rousseff had previously said she would not attend the ceremony. "I don't think it's appropriate that the ousted president should attend a ceremony that is lead by an illegitimate president," she said.

Earlier, Brazilian police used teargas to disperse hundreds of people in Rio de Janeiro that were protesting against the coup government of Michel Temer. Protesters also gathered around the Maracana Stadium, where the opening ceremony took place, but were met by security forces who managed to stop them from entering the stadium.

In recent months protests against the impeachment process that seeks to permanently oust President Dilma Rousseff have increased around the country. Protests are also taking place in opposition to the financial cost of the Olympics as Temer's coup government continues to slash social programs while a number of corruption cases rock the new government.

Workers’ Party protesters and supporters of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the suspended President Rousseff also marched through the streets of Rio in protest against the new administration.

Days ago, police used tear gas to disperse a small demonstration by students and teachers that blocked the streets of Niteroi, where the Olympic torch was supposed to travel on its way to Rio.

Since Rousseff was suspended, organizations have led a number of major protests around the country and polls reveal a majority of the Brazilian population wants new elections. Temer is serving as interim president but has been banned from running for public office for eight years because of corruption charges.