Nicosia, Cyprus. A formal complaint against Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou over derogatory remarks referring to those with intellectual disabilities has reached the European Parliament and is under further examination.
Complaint and remarks
The complaint concerns Panayiotou’s use of the term “loonies” (pelloi) during a podcast episode in which he discussed Paralympic swimming classifications, specifically the S14 category for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The comment sparked strong reactions in Cyprus, prompting the Cyprus Paralympic Committee and other bodies to announce their intention to report the matter to the European Parliament.
European Parliament assessment and conduct rules
Sources said the case is being assessed within the framework of the Parliament’s code of conduct on integrity, which requires members to act with mutual respect and protect the institution’s reputation.
Under Article 10, members must ensure their conduct reflects the values enshrined in the EU treaties and the charter of fundamental rights.
Possible sanctions
In cases of serious breaches, sanctions may be imposed following an investigation and a hearing of the member concerned.
These range from a formal reprimand to temporary suspension from parliamentary activities, loss of allowances, or restrictions on representing Parliament in official forums.
Apology and political motivation claim
Panayiotou issued a public apology earlier this week in a video posted on social media, admitting he should not have used the term and apologising to Paralympic athletes in the S14 category and to anyone offended.
“I should not have used this word to describe any disability, disorder or illness,” he said, describing the comment as a mistake.
At the same time, he suggested that the renewed attention on the issue may be politically motivated, pointing to recent opinion polls showing increased support for his ‘ direct democracy ’ party.
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