The Cyprus Confederation of Organisations of the Disabled (KYSOA) has issued a strong condemnation of remarks made by MEP Fidias Panayiotou, describing them as offensive, unacceptable and deeply harmful to people with intellectual disabilities.
In a statement released on Saturday, KYSOA expressed anger and profound disappointment over comments made by Panayiotou during an online podcast, which referred to children and adults with intellectual disabilities in terms the Confederation says reinforce stigma and dangerous stereotypes.
KYSOA stressed that it consistently monitors developments affecting persons with disabilities and intervenes whenever human rights are undermined or the struggle for equality, inclusion and a discrimination free society is threatened.
According to the Confederation, the language used by an elected official and in particular a representative of the Republic of Cyprus in the European Parliament is institutionally unacceptable and condemnable when it insults persons with disabilities and echoes attitudes associated with “periods of obscurantism and apartheid”.
“Institutionally unacceptable and condemnable”
KYSOA underlined that elected representatives should demonstrate a heightened sense of responsibility, especially when speaking publicly. It noted that political legitimacy does not come from social media platforms, podcasts or viral content, but from the substance, values and respect conveyed through public discourse.
The Confederation argued that the remarks attributed to Panayiotou do not reflect progress or modernisation but instead represent regression, undermining years of advocacy for inclusion and dignity.
Call for education and accountability
In its statement, KYSOA rejected any attempt to excuse the remarks as humour or youthful inexperience, stressing that Panayiotou serves as an elected member of the European Parliament and not as a private individual.
The organisation called on him to undertake intensive education on respect for diversity, the inherent dignity of every human being and the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It added that such knowledge is essential for anyone involved in shaping or commenting on public policy.
KYSOA further urged Panayiotou to refrain from engaging in disability related policy discussions until he demonstrates a clear understanding of the rights, realities and lived experiences of persons with disabilities.
Concluding its statement, the Confederation reiterated its readiness to assist in educating public figures on disability rights but emphasised that discriminatory language and attitudes cannot be tolerated in public life.