Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou has responded to allegations of embezzlement of EU funds through a TikTok video posted on Wednesday. The complaint is currently under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
- In an effort to promote transparency, Panayiotou announced plans to publish a monthly breakdown of his expenditures, stating, “I will show exactly what I spent and for what purpose.”
In the video, Panayiotou firmly rebuffs accusations that label him as one of the most deceitful Members of the European Parliament. He states, “They accused me of being the most lying and deceitful MEP,” asserting that the claims are unfounded.
Central to the allegations is the rental of his Limassol apartment, which he shares with his fiancée. Panayiotou clarified that they live in a modest space, paying €1,200 in rent from their own funds, and denied using European Parliament finances for this expense.
He also tackled concerns regarding a separate office near his residence, which is rented for €2,300 monthly. According to Panayiotou, the European Parliament contributes €1,600 towards the rent, while he covers the remaining €700. He explained that this office is used for filming podcasts, a purpose he has disclosed to the European Parliament.
On the subject of the party app “Agora,” which allows constituents to vote on his decisions in the European Parliament, Panayiotou stated, “Through it, people vote for my decisions in the European Parliament,” asserting that related expenses are legitimately covered by EU funds.
Panayiotou faced scrutiny over financial transactions involving payments to his account from employees. He responded by explaining, “Because the European Parliament is often late in paying them, I lend them money so they do not go unpaid. When the Parliament sends their salary, they send it back to me.” He claims that this arrangement has the approval of the European Parliament.
In an effort to promote transparency, Panayiotou announced plans to publish a monthly breakdown of his expenditures, stating, “I will show exactly what I spent and for what purpose.”
While the European Public Prosecutor’s Office has remained silent on the specifics of the complaint, they maintain a policy of not commenting on ongoing investigations to avoid compromising their work. Sources indicate that the office operates autonomously and only notifies local authorities at the commencement of investigative procedures.
The complaint focuses not only on the apartment rental declared as a “political office” but also on social media content that portrays an extravagant lifestyle, including parties and unboxing videos featuring luxury products.
Panayiotou, who founded the Direct Democracy party in October 2025, has not yet revealed whether he will stand for election in the upcoming parliamentary vote. He mentioned that internal party elections for parliamentary candidates will occur through the “direct democracy” app from March 3 to 5, with about 20,000 members expected to participate in the voting process.
