In the lead-up to the European elections, a social media influencer is causing a stir in the political landscape of Cyprus.
Fidias Panayiotou, a 24-year-old internet personality, is making headlines as he vies to become one of the six representatives Cyprus will send to the European Parliament in the June elections. Despite his lack of political knowledge, Fidias is determined to challenge the status quo and end the dominance of what he calls the “nerds” in Brussels.
Recent polls indicate Fidias is in fifth place with 8.7% support, putting him ahead of candidates from established parties like the Socialist EDEK, centrist DEPA, and the Green Party, which are each fielding six candidates.
Known simply as “Fidias” to his 2.6 million YouTube subscribers, he has gained fame through various stunts, including his successful mission to hug Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X (formerly Twitter). However, he has also courted controversy with a journey across India and Japan, where he relied on begging for money instead of paying his way.
In January, Fidias announced his candidacy, appearing in a suit, shorts, and three ties. He candidly admitted his ignorance about politics and the European Union but expressed a willingness to learn. “I am 23 years old and have never voted in my life. One night, I realized that if I don’t start voting and taking an interest, the same people will remain in power. I decided, ‘enough is enough,'” he declared.
In April, Fidias officially submitted his candidacy alongside his father, a priest, wearing a suit and a bow tie. “I heard somewhere that if you’re unhappy with your surroundings and want change, you have to be the change,” he remarked. “I chose to run as an independent because I don’t fit into molds and I have no party interests to serve.”
Fidias’s primary goal is not necessarily to win but to inspire young people to become politically active. The upcoming European election in Cyprus is anticipated to have high voter absenteeism, reflecting widespread disenchantment with the political system.
The two largest parties on the island, the Democratic Rally and the Progressive Party of Working People, are in a close race for first place. However, there is uncertainty about voter turnout. Polls suggest that the far-right National Popular Front could gain significant traction, especially given the prominence of migration as a political issue.
John Ioannou, founder of Geopolitical Cyprus, commented to POLITICO, “The Fidias phenomenon epitomizes post-politics at a time when content creation is a strategic priority for the European Union — beyond traditional political strategies. His campaign touches on broader themes such as the rise of populism in Europe, the importance of image over ideology, and the need for civic engagement, particularly among young voters in Cyprus.”
Fidias Panayiotou’s candidacy is more than a political novelty; it highlights the evolving nature of political engagement in the digital age and the potential for new voices to emerge in the European political arena.
