Newly elected Marathon Mayor Ilias Psinakis declared the historic city of Marathon bankrupt. The east Attican city where Leonidas had fought with 300 men in a historic battle that brought Greece glory is now drowning in debt.

“There’s not a cent in the municipality’s coffers,” said Mr. Psinakis, speaking to journalists on Wednesday. “Not even to pay the salaries of the employees. Unfortunately, we’re bankrupt.”

The mayor declared a state of emergency for the municipality that owes 12,700,000 euros in commissions, loans and utility bills that need to be paid by the end of the year. He said that he would start a fund-raising campaign in Greece and abroad called “Save Marathon” to save the city. He said that he does not plan to take more loans or increase taxes.

“The previous municipal authority left 1,841,000 euros in their funds,” explained Mr. Psinakis. “We could only use 370,000 euros because the rest is tied up. The salaries of municipal employees amount to 400,000 euros and at this time we only have 70,000 euros.” Regarding the 70,000 euros that are in the funds, he said that his wish is to find a solution for unpaid wages.

Mr. Psinakis blamed the previous municipal council’s nepotism for the problem. He cited direct project commissions to friends and relatives of officials who served in the previous municipal council and said there was a methodical destruction of the municipality by transferring staff so as to create many problems to its operation. “The 16-year party at Marathon has ended, and I’m left paying the bill,” he said.

The mayor’s lawyer, Alexandros Lykourezos was present at the press conference.

Interior Minister Argyris Dinopoulos called Mr. Psinakis at the end of the meeting. The two men will meet at 1 p.m. today.

At the press conference –

The historic city of Marathon –