European Parliament member Fidias Panayiotou has described reports linking him to an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office over EU funds as “baseless” and “politically motivated” ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Calling the reports “fake news,” he attributed them to political motives and expressed thanks to those who reported him, saying it gave him the opportunity to implement something he had long wanted: full transparency over every cent he spends.
€1200 rent
Panayiotou rejected claims that he uses EU funds to cover the rent of his residence, where he lives with his fiancée, describing it as a “small apartment, not a tower,” with a monthly rent of €1,200, paid entirely from their own personal funds.
He also noted that he maintains a separate nearby space used exclusively as his team’s office, with a monthly rent of €2,300. Of this amount, €1,600 is covered by the European Parliament, while the remaining €700 is paid by him, as the space is also used for producing the podcasts he runs. He emphasised that he informed the relevant European Parliament services in advance about this use.
Use of EU funds for Agora app
Regarding the “Agora” app, associated with his party in Cyprus, and claims that it was developed with EU funds, Panayiotou said the app allows citizens to participate in shaping his positions in the European Parliament. He added that there is coordination with the European Parliament to ensure that the parts of the app related to his European work are funded appropriately.
'Misunderstandings'
Responding to allegations that he “pockets” money from his collaborators, the MEP said this was a misunderstanding. He explained that due to bureaucratic delays, payments to team members are sometimes late, and in such cases, he temporarily covers the amounts from his own funds.
Planted drugs
Panayiotou also expressed fears that drugs could be planted to damage his public image ahead of the elections.
It is recalled that in a statement yesterday, the MEP said he was unaware of any investigation against him and had announced that he would respond via video, which he did today.
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