Independent MEP and president of the new Direct Democracy party, Fidias Panayiotou, spoke to Politis about the recent elections in the north, the new realities in the Cyprus problem, and his political plans. Politis met Panayiotou on the sidelines of the latest European Parliament session in Strasbourg. He says he does not generally trust President Nikos Christodoulides but admits that on the Cyprus problem, “he’s not that bad”. He explains that with the creation of his new party, he aims to change “the establishment” and bring citizens closer to political decision-making.
How did you view the ‘presidential elections’ in the north, the result, and Erhürman’s victory?
I’m very happy. I think now there is a better chance to solve the Cyprus problem. The truth is, many told me that Tatar used me through the podcast to help him get elected as “president”. But apparently, he didn’t use me very well, maybe I even did him some damage. Because he spoke and explained many things about himself. That was the concept, that was my philosophy. When someone says nonsense or things that don’t hold up, you shouldn’t silence them — you should give them the microphone and say, “go ahead, speak”. And it seems I was right in my diagnosis. So, I see this as a positive development for the Cyprus problem. Through the party of Direct Democracy that we founded, we can also play a better role in the solution of the Cyprus problem. For years we’ve been trying the same way and have seen the results... I think we need a different approach.
Indeed, the Cyprus problem is a complex story that has been unfolding since 1974. How can this take a different direction?
There are two main issues: the agreements themselves, what they will be, and whether the solution will be viable, and secondly, public opinion. Many Cypriots do not want a bizonal, bicommunal federation, a solution that, however, the parties consider the solution. We must fight to find a viable settlement that is good for both communities, and convince the public.
So, you believe that citizens themselves must be more involved?
I’ve done many podcasts... For example, with Özdil Nami and Andreas Mavroyiannis, we discussed what was agreed at Crans-Montana, what the basis is, what the UN resolutions say, etc. People must start learning about the Cyprus problem, to become more familiar with it. First comes the negotiation, and then comes the next battle: convincing the people.
Have you noticed ignorance, especially among younger generations?
Yes, absolutely. If you ask people what “bizonal, bicommunal federation” means according to the UN resolutions, very few can explain exactly what the solution would look like and what it would represent. So, education is needed. I think a discussion will begin. I just find it funny sometimes, we recognise the pseudo-president as a counterpart for the Cyprus problem.
Many times, Turkey intervenes to impose its chosen candidate. And now, maybe this is the last time we see a majority of Turkish Cypriots voting in the elections. So, in the future, with the settlers, should we continue to recognise as a counterpart the occupation leader who will participate in the talks? Before the “electorate” is completely altered, we have a small window to solve the Cyprus problem. The truth is that I don’t trust Christodoulides on many things, on most things, actually. But in foreign policy and diplomacy, because that’s his field, which he worked in for the past five years as Foreign Minister, I think he won’t be bad.
So, you trust him on the Cyprus problem?
I don’t trust him, I wouldn’t put him in charge myself but he’s not terrible. I think he’ll do fine. He’s our President, and I believe we should support him during the talks.
'Change the establishment'
As for your party, Direct Democracy - what new element does it bring?
First of all, the reason we founded it and registered it in the Republic is that we see how the state, MPs, etc. don’t represent many citizens. They don’t represent me personally. That’s why there’s apathy, why people don’t go to vote or engage with politics. Direct Democracy is an attempt to change the establishment.
As Einstein said: If you keep doing the same things, don’t expect different results, that’s the definition of insanity. So now we’re trying something different: direct democracy. A large part of decisions should be made by the people. Not by me, as a party leader, deciding who gets in “this one’s in, that one’s out, this is my godmother’s son, he’s in for sure”. The idea is that candidates should come from the people. For now, we have 45 candidates and we’re aiming for 500. I invite people to apply, maybe they can do what I did: an ordinary person without much experience but with the will to change things.
Beyond Left and Right
Would you place your party on the left or right of the political spectrum, or do you see it differently?
Neither. These are all outdated. We’re “above”. We can vote sometimes with the Left, sometimes with the Right, sometimes with the Centre, depending on the issue. That’s what I do in the European Parliament: I’m independent, I don’t have a political group telling me how to vote. The concept is that through direct democracy, people will tell us their political positions, set priorities, and together we’ll shape the party’s policies.
Is there a model from another country that inspires you?
There are examples in Estonia and Switzerland, with referendums and direct democracy. We’re trying to combine these systems to create something new. For the first time in Cyprus, to be pioneers. And if this succeeds, maybe - maybe - it can be copied in other countries. If we get 25% and become the first party in Cyprus? It might sound strange, but I got 20% alone in the European elections. Part of our goals also involves Europe, because Cyprus receives most of its directives from the EU. You can’t change Cyprus unless you change Europe. We’re trying to bring new but realistic ideas. It’s a beautiful vision, because you need to have a vision, something that makes you want to move forward. With all our daily problems, we need to see something in the future that excites us. And I think this is a beautiful vision.
'The state is not functioning'
In recent days, we’ve seen a murder and other incidents. People’s sense of safety has been shaken. Do you have any thoughts on how this can be addressed?
Recently I was at a well-known bakery and saw drug dealing taking place outside the shop. I reported it to the police. I believe the Cyprus Police doesn’t function properly. The state doesn’t function. Prisoners have phones and organise crimes from inside prison. There are many issues, especially with the nightlife scene. Maybe those in power are afraid for their lives and don’t want to touch these things, but we have to stop ignoring them and cut them off at the root.
A recent survey showed that young Cypriots are among the unhappiest in the EU, something apparently linked to the economic situation. How did you see that?
Happiness doesn’t depend on what you have, but on how you are with yourself. I’ve travelled with no money, slept in a sleeping bag, been soaking wet at three in the morning in winter — and I was still happy. Many times, the external factors aren’t the problem — it’s deeper, social. Of course, if you have children and a family, financial matters play a role. But I believe the psychological factor matters more. Maybe it comes from family, maybe from mentality. We’re complainers. The problems are big — I don’t deny that — but it’s also about mindset. My father, no matter what problem he has, he’s happy. It’s a matter of attitude. If we always blame others — the government, for example — we stop taking personal responsibility. And many times, we can do more for our happiness ourselves than waiting for the system to help us.