fidias panayiotou — MEP Fidias Panayiotou is set to announce his decision regarding a parliamentary run with Direct Democracy in the upcoming elections. Sources indicate that this announcement will be made in the coming days, as the party gears up for candidate selection.
- Panayiotou has also initiated a competition for the party emblem, which he announced via social media. Members will vote on the submitted proposals to decide which design will represent the party.
In addition to his potential candidacy, Panayiotou will clarify whether he intends to remain in the Cyprus parliament if elected or continue serving in the European Parliament. Should he choose the former, it is understood he may renounce his European seat in favour of another Direct Democracy MP from his district.
Panayiotou’s strategy includes utilising the Direct Democracy app platform for internal party elections, projecting an ambitious participation of around 20,000 members. He has expressed confidence in this approach, referencing the significant voter turnout for Annita Demetriou’s DISY presidency: “That many voted for Annita. Imagine where Direct Democracy can reach.”
The party’s aspirations are high, with many members aiming for a substantial increase in their electoral share, hoping to position themselves as either the first or second party in Cyprus. Approximately 200 individuals have shown interest in running for parliament on the Direct Democracy platform. Of these, 56 candidates will be selected based on district positions.
The voting process through the platform is scheduled to take place from 3 to 5 March and will last for 72 hours. Following this, results will be made public after the verification of candidates against legal criteria.
Following the candidate selection, the next step will be to choose the new president of Direct Democracy. Panayiotou has stated his intention to contest the party presidency, ensuring that he will compete on equal terms with all interested candidates. Only those who secure a place on the ballot will be eligible, meaning the final presidential race will include only one of the selected 56 candidates. Voting rights will be extended to all users of the platform.
As the party seeks to formalise its establishment, an application to register Direct Democracy is currently pending with the Interior Ministry. Various suggestions regarding the party’s statutes have been proposed, and a response on its registration in the political parties register is anticipated soon.
Panayiotou has also initiated a competition for the party emblem, which he announced via social media. Members will vote on the submitted proposals to decide which design will represent the party.
Addressing ongoing reports about an investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds, Panayiotou stated to Philenews that he has not received any notifications regarding this matter. He has opted to respond in detail through a video, refraining from further comments. Recently, he made a brief appearance at a cocktail party hosted by the Cypriot presidency in the European Parliament, attended by Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna.
