Cypriot influencer stirs controversy with pro‑Russia stance
His election to the European Parliament was a sensation. Cypriot influencer Fidias Panayiotou did not bring a breath of fresh air to European politics, but rather the stench of Russian propaganda. His video proposing a resolution to the Ukrainian-Russian conflict was harshly criticized online.
Fidias Panayiotou is a popular influencer in Cyprus. At the age of 24, he became a member of the European Parliament. The election of such a young person with no political experience to such an important position stirred European reactions. Journalists highlighted his fame as a YouTuber, particularly his attempt to hug 100 celebrities and his week-long stay in a coffin.
The YouTuber approached the elections with a very casual attitude. He announced his candidacy wearing sneakers, shorts, a blazer, and three ties. With candid honesty, he admitted that he knew little about the European Union, but was tired of the rule of "bore" officials from Brussels. This unusual candidacy resonated with citizens of the island country. Fidias received 19.4 per cent of the votes, becoming one of the six Cypriot MEPs.
Shocking video by Fidias Panayiotou
Fidias recorded a video regarding the Ukrainian-Russian war, after which he faced a torrent of criticism. The reason is that the influencer presents a perspective favourable to the aggressor, namely Russia. Fidias suggests holding a referendum in each of Ukraine's regions so that the citizens of individual regions can express which country they wish to belong to. The Cypriot indicates that eastern Ukraine may sympathize with Russia, citing presidential and parliamentary election results as evidence. The TikToker argues that listening to the "will of the people" and learning their preferences would enable lasting peace between the feuding nations.
Fidias' reasoning is flawed on several levels. The TikToker cites outdated election results, ignoring changes in political sympathies in Ukraine over the past 12 years. Meanwhile, over the past decade, Russia has intensified efforts to subjugate its smaller neighbour, stirring patriotic sentiments among Ukrainians—as evidenced by the high level of support for President Volodymyr Zelensky, even in the country's east.
Fidias also seems not to understand that holding a referendum in areas annexed by Russia and in regions affected by warfare would not be representative. The issues would include not only Russian propaganda activities and difficulties in detecting electoral manipulations but also new Russian residents who were deliberately relocated in place of Ukrainians. The Russian military expelled millions from their original homes, and tens of thousands were killed. How are these individuals supposed to participate in a referendum?
