Feidias Panagiotou made new statements about the Cyprus issue and the political landscape of Cyprus, already causing intense reactions and sparking a new round of discussions about his positions and public presence. The Cypriot MEP, who initially gained fame through social media and subsequently managed to get elected to the European Parliament, continues to dominate headlines not only due to his personal life but mainly because of his political interventions and his intention to run in the Cypriot parliamentary elections with his own party. This time, his statements about the Cyprus issue and the functioning of the National Council opened a new cycle of political confrontation in Cyprus. He argued that “it’s stupid to hold the same positions for 30 years without changing,” emphasizing that circumstances constantly evolve and decisions must be made based on current conditions.
Feidias Panagiotou and his statements on the Cyprus issue
The MEP was asked what solution he considers appropriate for the Cyprus problem and replied that everything depends on the circumstances that will exist at the time of a potential agreement. “Depending on the circumstances at the time we agree, but it’s stupid to hold positions for 30 years without changing. Circumstances change every day,” he stated characteristically.
He then attempted to explain the logic behind his position, referring to the decision-making process in the European Parliament. As he said, when called to vote in the European Parliament, he examines the specific circumstances that exist at that moment each time. “When I vote in the European Parliament, at the moment I go to vote, I’m called to accept something. To say I vote for it or I don’t vote for it. At the moment we vote and have something to vote on, let’s discuss it then. Now we’re discussing things as they have been doing for 52 years,” he noted.
These statements are already causing political reactions in Cyprus, as the Cyprus issue remains the most sensitive political and national matter for the country. Many believe that this particular statement leaves open the possibility of diverging from longstanding national positions, while others estimate that Feidias Panagiotou is trying to present himself as a representative of a more “anti-establishment” and different political approach.
Criticism of the National Council and upcoming elections
Feidias Panagiotou also referred to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, arguing that there is concern about how he will move politically in the future. As he said, “Mr. Christodoulides is raising alarms about what the National Council will do with Feidias.” At the same time, he commented on the functioning of the National Council, stating that “the National Council doesn’t have phones” and adding that he would consider upgrading the institution. He also mentioned that he “won’t discuss certain things in the National Council but personally with specific individuals.”
The MEP appeared particularly optimistic about the political trajectory of the new party he is preparing ahead of the parliamentary elections in Cyprus. As he said, the fear that he believes exists toward him is positive, because he will manage to enter the Cypriot parliament, just as he succeeded in getting elected to the European Parliament. “He brought Cyprus to the European Parliament and the European Parliament to Cyprus. We’ll do the same. But not with the National Council. Where we need to be serious, we’ll be serious,” he stated characteristically.
It should be noted that Feidias Panagiotou had caused reactions several months ago when he conducted an interview with Ersin Tatar, former leader of the pseudo-state. That particular move had created intense political confrontations in Cyprus at the time and had brought back into the spotlight public discussion about the role and political positions of the young MEP.
