Marathon Mayor Ilias Psinakis, one of the most flamboyant politicians in local government, has just announced his candidacy for the European Elections due to take place in May.

In recent days, a clock marked “Citizens, it’ll break out at any moment”, had been counting down to the announcement before today’s news of his bid to enter the European Parliament.

A statement signed by Mr Psinakis announced his decision to stand as a candidate in the next European elections.

“Europe is very special  for Greece because the government (and every government of each EU member state) follows European legislation. Unavoidably and without exception. It is the ‘wallet’ and the opportunities that bring development and prosperity. Greece, over the last 20 years ‘lives’ on the money it receives from Europe,” stated the media release announcing his candidacy.

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“Citizens are not a party, nor a movement, nor a faction. It is an initiative that was asked of us from citizens and Brussels, so that the opportunity can finally be given to those who want and can take the situation into their hands and so that our Country can have an excellent and consistent representation.”

He said that the time had come for the country to demand all that it hadn’t sought over the years to bring money and jobs to the country.

“All citizens want is to give a chance to young people and to those who feel young – who aren’t politicians – to show what they are worth and what they can do for Greece. To be where we should be for Greece, when we should be and the way we should be,” said the statement.

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“Our citizens don’t care what political ideology you have, what team you support and what you do in your bed. To our citizens we are all equal. Only one thing matters to us. To make full use of the opportunities that Europe gives us.”

He told those who want promises should go to parties. “Only one WILL is allowed. ‘YOU WILL RESPECT”.

Should he be successful, Mr Psinakis will be one of the most interesting parliamentarians to have crossed the threshold of the EP. The former fashion model also appeared on reality talent shows, such as TV Idol and Greece, You’ve Got Talent and was also the manager of stars like Sakis Rouvas before running for Mayor of Marathon.

More recently, he faced controversy following the disastrous fires on 3 August, 2018, when the municipal council of Marathon unanimously passed a resolution characterising Mr Psinakis as “undesirable”, “incapable” and “extremely dangerous even to the physical health of the municipality’s citizens”, however refused to cave in to the demands for his resignation.