Nicosia, Cyprus. Direct Democracy leader Fidias Panayiotou posted a video on social media on Tuesday asking police officers interested in guarding him to apply. As the leader of a political party with a presence in parliament, he is entitled to a police escort.
Video appeal for police officers
In the reel, the 26-year-old called on police officers to apply for the position.
“Are you a police officer? If you’re watching, this is for you,” the social media influencer said.
He added: “Now that I’m the head of a party, I’m entitled to some police officers to watch over me. If you’re interested in being one of the officers who will watch over me and you’re qualified, meaning you have many years of experience and can prove with your resume that you can really take care of me, then I’ll be glad if you apply to the link below.”
Procedure for assigning police escorts
Under a standing cabinet decision, but not law, certain political officials are provided with police guards. This includes the leaders of political parties with seats in parliament.
What was unusual about Panayiotou’s request was that he appeared to suggest he would choose the police guard or guards assigned to him.
The normal procedure is for such police escorts to be decided by a special committee appointed by the police chief.
Police reaction
A police source contacted by the Cyprus Mail commented only that Panayiotou’s approach to the issue was “odd.”