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Athens (dpa) - Three days after the western Greek city of Patras took over as Cultural Capital of Europe for 2006, its art director resigned Tuesday, citing organisational problems.
The resignation of composer Thanos Mikroutsikos, a former culture minister from the main opposition Socialist party, came amid reported wrangling between the city's mayor Andreas Karavolas, regional authorities and organisation committee members.
For months there has been media criticism of a failure by the city to advertise forthcoming cultural events - highlighted already at the New Year handover from Cork, Ireland, when no major event was staged.
Patras is known for its lively carnival season and its ancient shadow theatre performances.
Copyright 2006 dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
