The Cyprus Council of Disabled People’s Organizations (KYSOA) is getting ready to file a complaint with the European Parliament against MEP Phidias Panayiotou. This is about a video he shared that included comments about people with disabilities.
The president of KYSOA, Themis Anthopoulou, expressed her strong disappointment. She said the apology video from the MEP doesn’t meet the organization’s expectations. Speaking on Alpha News, she noted that neither Mr. Panayiotou nor his team has reached out to athlete Marios Filippou, who was directly affected by the statement.
Ms. Anthopoulou pointed out that Mr. Panayiotou, as an elected MEP, has a duty to understand and respect issues related to people with disabilities. She also reminded everyone that European Parliament rules require MEPs to behave appropriately towards citizens, especially vulnerable groups.
The MEP addressed the backlash from his comments about intellectual disability with an apology video. In it, he admitted he shouldn’t have used a certain word for anyone with a disability, disorder, or illness, acknowledging his mistake publicly. He emphasized that it was unintentional and apologized to athletes in the S14 category of the Paralympic Games—who he described as determined and strong—and to anyone who felt offended or hurt.
The European Disability Forum is also aware of this issue. According to Ms. Anthopoulou, they find the controversial remark unacceptable and are likely to take further action.
