Limassol, Cyprus. Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou responded in a TikTok video on Wednesday to a complaint under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The complaint alleges possible embezzlement of EU funds.
Denial of allegations
In the video, Panayiotou said, “They accused me of being the most lying and deceitful MEP,” and dismissed the allegations.
Apartment rent and office costs
Panayiotou denied using European Parliament funds to pay the rent of his apartment in Limassol, which he shares with his fiancée. He said they “live in a small space that we rent for €1,200 and pay with our own money.”
He also addressed claims regarding a separate office near his apartment used by his team. He said the office rent is €2,300 per month, of which €1,600 is paid by the European Parliament, while he covers the remaining €700. Panayiotou said he uses the space to film podcasts and has informed the European Parliament of this use.
“Agora” app and staff transfers
On accusations concerning the party app “Agora,” he said, “Through it, people vote for my decisions in the European Parliament,” adding that costs linked to the Parliament’s functions are covered by EU funds.
Panayiotou also responded to screenshots showing transfers to his account from employees. He said, “Because the European Parliament is often late in paying them, I lend them money so they do not go unpaid. When the Parliament sends their salary, they send it back to me,” and said the arrangement had been approved by the European Parliament.
Spending disclosures
Panayiotou said he will publish a monthly breakdown of his spending, stating, “I will show exactly what I spent and for what purpose.”
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