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“Fake News” Claims MEP Panayiotou Responding to EU Funds Mismanagement Allegations

Published January 21, 2026, 18:16

MEP Fidias Panayiotou responded to allegations under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the misappropriation of EU funds. Mr. Panayiotou dismissed the allegations as “fake news,” linking them to the upcoming election period and claiming they were a targeted smear campaign. Referring to the accusations, Mr. Panayiotou claimed he does not reside in a luxury apartment, but in a smaller one with a rent of 1200 euros, which he and his partner pay. He also stated that he has an office with a rent of 2300 euros, of which he covers 1600 euros and the European Parliament covers 700 euros, as the office is also used for podcast production. Regarding the Agora app, Mr. Panayiotou clarified that it combines voting and information functions for his party, with expenses for his activities as an MEP covered by the European Parliament and the rest by himself. He also rejected claims that he had appropriated funds from his collaborators' salaries. Mr. Panayiotou pledged full transparency in his finances, announcing that he would publish all his expenses as an MEP. He expressed confidence that the investigation would clear him and that the complaint was made with the intention of harming him politically.