Cyprus Times

Phidias: Privileges, Investigations and Answers Avoided

Published January 21, 2026, 09:13
Phidias: Privileges, Investigations and Answers Avoided

Phidias Panagiotou, a Member of the European Parliament, is at the center of allegations regarding the use of European funds and potential mismanagement. The allegations concern the use of general expense allowances, as well as potential confusion between parliamentary activity and a political undertaking, specifically the 'Direct Democracy' application. The European Public Prosecutor's Office and OLAF (European Anti-Fraud Office) appear to be examining the matter, while Phidias Panagiotou himself has not given an official response, but has announced a public response via video. The case has significant political cost, as it concerns the money of European taxpayers and the observance of the rules that Phidias himself had accused others of violating.