Cyprus Times

Offensive Remark by Fidias Panagiotou Towards People with Intellectual Disabilities

Published January 24, 2026, 15:05
Offensive Remark by Fidias Panagiotou Towards People with Intellectual Disabilities

MEP Fidias Panagiotou made a very serious verbal slip during a podcast with para-athlete Loizos Chrysanthou. While discussing the categories of athletes in the Paralympic Games, Mr. Panagiotou used the offensive term “pellous” to refer to people with intellectual disabilities. Loizos Chrysanthou, who is running as a parliamentary candidate with Direct Democracy, expressed his embarrassment and corrected the MEP, pointing out that he knows a Cypriot athlete with intellectual disabilities who is a very good friend of his. The incident has sparked strong reactions and condemnation.