Powerful Greek businessman/shipowner Evangelos Marinakis told “Fortune” magazine that he is eyeing the improvement of Piraeus – the third largest urban municipality in the country after Athens and Thessaloniki and one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. As part of the new municipal council of Piraeus, Mr. Marinakis hopes to add more green to the area’s neighborhoods that are greatly in need of more parks and sports facilities. He has already pledged commitment for “an art festival in every neighborhood and every square so that, by the year 2021, Piraeus can meet the challenge of becoming the cultural capital of Europe.” He points out that the year 2021 also coincides with the 2,500-year anniversary of the Battle of Salamina – a milestone in Greek and European history.

As part of the initiatives aimed at making the people of Piraeus “proud and happy”, Mr. Marinakis and his team have committed themselves to the creation of more employment positions through the exploitation of the port – an “apple of discord in Piraeus”. Mr. Marinakis has clear-cut views regarding the port of Piraeus pointing to the example of 97% of large European ports that are owned by their municipalities. He feels that the monopolization of the port could stifle healthy competition. “The first step came with COSCO that took a part of the port. The next may come with other companies that can exploit other sections. Control, however, should remain with the state. In any case, we say no to monopolies,” says Mr. Marinakis.

Regarding the sports team, Olympiacos, Mr. Marinakis says that it is more than just a club but part of the fabric of the city and a dominant force in Greek sports. He is proud of the fact that the club he owns is financially healthy despite the crisis.

The successful shipping magnate, businessman, sports club owner and now councilman is pleased that the people of Piraeus decided to trust an independent faction that wasn’t backed by a large party for the first time.