Concerns Rise Over EU Politician Promoting Russian Narratives
Fidias Panayiotou faces scrutiny for promoting Russian narratives post-election to the EU Parliament.
Key Points
- • Fidias Panayiotou, a former influencer, won nearly 20% of the vote in Cyprus for the EU Parliament in 2024.
- • He began promoting Russian narratives shortly after his election, including during a trip to Moscow.
- • Kallioniemi criticized his actions as a carefully orchestrated propaganda effort.
Fidias Panayiotou, a Cypriot influencer turned EU Parliament member, has sparked controversy for disseminating Russian narratives since his election in 2024. Known for amassing millions of followers through viral YouTube videos, Panayiotou won nearly 20% of the votes in Cyprus as an independent candidate. His political rise was characterized by a strong social media campaign, which unexpectedly led to his election at the young age of 25.
However, following his election, Panayiotou has raised alarms among policymakers and experts. He traveled to Moscow on Victory Day, an important celebration in Russia, where he reportedly propagated pro-Russian views. Pekka Kallioniemi, an expert on Russian disinformation, condemned the trip, labeling it as a "well-planned propaganda journey" that emphasized concerns about the influence of social media figures in shaping political discourse within the EU.
The case of Panayiotou underscores the challenges Europe faces regarding foreign influence and the spread of disinformation, especially from Russia. As digital platforms continue to shape political landscapes, the ramifications of such individuals in positions of power are becoming increasingly scrutinized and debated.