The former was quoted by Reuters as saying: “Those in insolvency have to sell everything they have to pay their creditors. Greece owns buildings, companies and uninhabited islands, which could all be used for debt redemption.”

Bild published the tale under the headline “Sell your islands, you bankrupt Greeks! And sell the Acropolis too!”.

Opinion polls conducted in Germany show that the majority of the public are not supportive of the country helping fund the bailout of Greece.

The country is currently struggling with its debt after deficit levels reached 12.7 per cent of GDP at the end of 2009, a figure four times higher than the recommended amount.

Meanwhile, the struggling state’s Public Debt Management Agency has launched a ten-year bond issue as part of its deficit reduction strategy.

Greece is aiming to pay off €54 million during 2010.