Dialogos

Outrage and Accusations Over MEP's Remarks: "Disrespect, Violence, and Exclusion"

Published January 26, 2026, 08:00
Outrage and Accusations Over MEP's Remarks: "Disrespect, Violence, and Exclusion"

The president of the Agalia Elpidas Association, Yula Pitsiali, strongly criticized the statements made by MEP Pheidi Panayiotou regarding people with disabilities, describing them as dangerous to the struggle they are waging. Ms. Pitsiali emphasized that an apology would not be enough, as the MEP's words reveal deeply rooted attitudes and perceptions. Ms. Pitsiali expressed the anger caused by Mr. Panayiotou's statements, questioning how he can represent people with disabilities in the European Parliament while simultaneously belittling and excluding them. She stressed that his statements constitute disrespect, violence, and exclusion. Ms. Pitsiali emphasized that physical disability does not imply inadequacy and that society has been fighting for years for the acceptance of people with disabilities. She considered it unacceptable for an elected MEP to mock people with disabilities, as this undermines the struggle for equality and inclusion. Ms. Pitsiali called on the public to understand who represents them and to recognize the consequences of statements that promote discrimination and exclusion.