The European Parliament has received an official complaint against MEP Fidias Panayiotou regarding his use of the slur “pelloi” (madmen) to describe individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Sources within the European Parliament confirmed that the complaint has reached the relevant services and will be examined under the institution’s established rules of conduct. The move follows strong reactions in Cyprus, where the Cyprus Federation of Social Organisations (KYSOA) and the Cyprus Paralympic Committee announced their intention to report the MEP.
Panayiotou has since apologised in a video post, though he attributed the backlash to political motives ahead of upcoming elections.
Under Article 10 of the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, MEPs are required to show mutual respect and uphold the values and principles defined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Members are also expected to safeguard the dignity of the institution and avoid damaging its reputation.
If a serious breach of the Code of Conduct is confirmed following an investigation and a hearing, Panayiotou could face a range of sanctions. These measures include:
- A formal reprimand.
- A ban on representing the Parliament in inter-parliamentary delegations or forums for up to one year.
- The loss of daily subsistence allowances for a period ranging from two to sixty days.
- Temporary suspension from Parliament activities for up to sixty days, excluding the right to vote in plenary sessions.
The investigation will determine whether the MEP’s comments constitute a violation of the standards of integrity and transparency expected of elected representatives.