In 1990, Panayotis Tzanikos was elected mayor of the Athenian suburb of Marousi.  Known for his pro-business practices, Tzanikos helped transform Marousi into the main center for international business in the Athens area. When Athens was granted the opportunity to host the 2004 Olympics, Marousi became home to the Main Olympic Sports Complex. As a member of the Olympic Organizing Committee, Mayor Tzanikos oversaw vast changes in his district, including the construction of new roads, metro stations, the Main Olympic Press Center, and the Main Olympic Sports Complex. In order to complete the construction of a parking lot for the Main Olympic Sports complex, Mayor Tzanikos signed a contract with Roma families who lived in the area, promising them rent subsidies and eventual resettlement if they would vacate the land.  Though the Roma families acquiesced, Tzanikos has since failed to comply with the terms of the agreement.