The timing in Barcelona was very special. Spain had only recently become a democracy again when they were awarded the game. There was a lot of political capital available to be spent and a real need to turn a page.
The games in this case were a catalyst but not the reason for most of the expenses. Same as the Expo in Seville which was also in '92.
Indeed. Many didn't (and still don't) realize how fractured the Spanish state was, going into recent times (i.e. post Franco ~1975).
Somewhat related...it was interesting to learn how Spain's triumph at the 2010 World Cup became a unifying, transcendent event for the country, politically.
The games in this case were a catalyst but not the reason for most of the expenses. Same as the Expo in Seville which was also in '92.