The 24-year-old TikToker-YouTuber Phidias Panagiotou got almost 20% in the EU elections in Cyprus and is elected MEP in Cyprus.
The surprising thing is that, although alone, he approached the percentages of the two big parties DISY and AKEL and left behind historical parties of the island such as DIKO and EDEK.
The far-right ELAM, the Environmental Movement, DIPA and other small parties also were left behind.
The success of Phidias Panayiotou deprived AKEL of one of its two seats and left EDEK out of the European Parliament, which had one seat. The rise of ELAM also contributed to the change in the political landscape, as it enters the European Parliament for the first time.
The percentages as determined with 80% of the votes counted are:
DISY 24.7% (2 seats),
AKEL 21.7% (1 seat),
Phidias Panayiotou 19.4% (1 seat),
ELAM 11.2% (1 seat), and
DIKO 9.6% (1 seat).
Phidias Panayiotou stated that he did not expect this percentage because when he decided to run, he did not believe he could be elected, as he would have to win votes with organized political parties. He has stated that he will seek to become a member of the Education Committee in the European Parliament and will not join any political group but will try to form his own political group if he finds others to join.
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Phidias Panayiotou clarified from the outset that he has never voted, does not have a voter’s card, and has no idea about politics and the EU. During the pre-election period, he did not express any position on any political issue, stating that when elected, he will learn and primarily consult YouTube and social media for whatever he needs.
“Today is a historic day not only for Cyprus but for the whole world,” the YouTuber said after the announcement of the exit polls in Cyprus. “Today’s event, ladies and gentlemen of the parties, I want you to take it as a ‘warning bell’ ringing to modernize, to remember that you serve the people and not your personal and party interests,” he emphasized.
“I will be a Member of the European Parliament for all the people of Cyprus and Europe,” he also said, adding: “I will strive to be the best and most useful Cypriot MEP.”
