Dialogos

Observatory of the Elderly Expresses Outrage Over MP's Remarks

Published January 26, 2026, 19:00
Observatory of the Elderly Expresses Outrage Over MP's Remarks

The Observatory of the Elderly has expressed strong outrage and condemnation over the remarks made by Member of Parliament Fidias Panagiotou regarding the S14 category of the Paralympic Games. The Observatory describes the statements as “unacceptable” and “the epitome of social fascism and absolute intellectual poverty.” Specifically, the Observatory reacts to the description of the S14 category as a “category for the simpletons,” emphasizing that such comments undermine efforts to eliminate the stigma faced by people with disabilities. It points out that the resurrection of such terms alludes to dark times of discrimination and exclusion. The Observatory of the Elderly aligns itself with organizations calling for an immediate and public apology from Fidias Panagiotou, not in the form of a simple “sorry” on social media, but with a concrete recognition of the harm he has caused to the political culture of Cyprus. Finally, the Observatory emphasizes that Cyprus in 2026 must be a society without exclusion, where disability is not an object of ridicule and contempt, but of respect and inclusion.