All posts tagged: Panayiotou

Influencer MEP Fidias Panayiotou turns down Cypriot seat to stay in European Parliament – POLITICO

Influencer MEP Fidias Panayiotou turns down Cypriot seat to stay in European Parliament – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

The center-right Democratic Rally party scored the most votes in Sunday’s elections, which saw the ultranationalist National Popular Front double its share of seats in the 56-member parliament. “Fidias,” as Panayiotou styles himself, has gained some 2.6 million subscribers on his YouTube channel since he began posting in 2019. The 26-year old influencer shot to fame after embarking on a mission to hug tech billionaire Elon Musk, and in 2024 launched a successful bid to become a lawmaker in the European Parliament. Since his election, Panayiotou has raised eyebrows with a visit to Russia and caused uproar by referring to paralympians with intellectual disabilities as “loonies.” He created the anti-establishment Direct Democracy party six months ago, and in the lead up to Sunday’s vote he regularly campaigned wearing a clown nose. Panayiotou’s group ultimately finished in sixth place, securing four seats. “We could’ve done better but we’re happy with what has happened, this is a small victory,” he said. Yiannis Laouris, a neuroscientist considered by some as Panayiotou’s ideological mentor — a label he rejects — …

MEP Fidias Panayiotou announces he will run for Cypriot parliament – POLITICO

MEP Fidias Panayiotou announces he will run for Cypriot parliament – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Based on Cypriot electoral law, he cannot keep both seats. Cyprus’ parliamentary election will take place in May. “Fidias,” as Panayiotou styles himself, has gained some 2.6 million subscribers on his YouTube channel since he began posting in 2019. He shot to fame by embarking on a mission to hug Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of the X platform (he eventually succeeded).  His election to the European Parliament in 2024 came as a shock, as he was elected to public office with no political experience but said he can’t abide the continued rule of “nerds” in Brussels. The MEP is also preparing to create a new political group in the European Parliament, together with Slovak MEPs close to pro-Russia Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Fidias stirred controversy last May when he attended Russia’s “Victory Day” celebrations along with some other German and Slovak MEPs. His party in Cyprus received provisional approval for the elections from the Cypriot Interior Ministry on Thursday, after taking the name “Direct Democracy of Cyprus.” The original title “Direct Democracy” could …

Influencer MEP Panayiotou stirs fury by using slur to refer to paralympians – POLITICO

Influencer MEP Panayiotou stirs fury by using slur to refer to paralympians – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Panayiotou’s remarks leave “no room for interpretation: a term that is abusive, stigmatizing and offensive to thousands of our fellow citizens,” the committee said, adding that the use of this term cannot be disguised as humor. “It is a gross insult to people with intellectual disabilities, to athletes who struggle daily against prejudice and exclusion,” the organization said.  Given Panayiotou’s position as an MEP, “the issue is not simply moral, it is deeply political and institutional,” the committee said.  The committee wants the MEP to publicly apologize for using the derogatory term and “to take a stance that promotes respect and awareness.”  Source link