MEP Fidias Panayiotou called people with disabilities “stupid” — organizations threaten to file a complaint

On January 27, European Parliament member Fidias Panayiotou referred to people with intellectual disabilities as “stupid” during an audio program, provoking protests from the Paralympic Federation and disability organizations in Cyprus.

According to the newspaper Politis, Andreas Georgiou, president of the Cyprus Paralympic Federation, described Panayiotou’s remarks as offensive and stated that they cannot be justified by rudeness or ignorance. He announced that, if no apology is given, he intends to file a complaint with the European Parliament.

The Confederation of Disability Organizations also expressed its dissatisfaction. Its president, Themis Antopulu, noted that Panayiotou should be aware of his status as a representative in a body like the European Parliament and called it unacceptable for a politician to publicly make such statements.

Government spokesperson Yannis Antoniou described Panayiotou’s remarks as “alarming” and “very problematic,” while urging a measured approach and not to keep the issue constantly in the media. Diko party central committee member Pandelis Chrysostomou also called on Panayiotou to apologize.

According to the publication, as of the time of reporting, Panayiotou had not apologized and canceled his appearance on the program with journalist Katia Savva.