On 28 January, the Disability Intergroup bureau sent a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. The letter asks for a public apology from MEP Fidias Panayiotou after he made degrading comments about people with intellectual disabilities. It also requests disciplinary procedures if he refuses to apologise.
A few days earlier, Politico Europe and Cypriot media outlet OLOI reported the comments, which were made during a podcast with para-swimmer Loizos Chrysanthou. Shortly afterwards, the Cyprus Paralympic Committee condemned the remarks, stating: “When such expressions come out of the mouth of an elected MEP, then the issue is not simply ethical. It is deeply political and institutional.”.
Read the full letter from the Disability Intergroup
Subject: MEP Panayiotou’s comment on people with intellectual disabilities
Dear President,
We write to you on behalf of the European Parliament Disability Intergroup. We were dismayed to learn about MEP Panayiotou’s disparaging comments towards persons with intellectual disabilities during his appearance on a podcast, as reported by Politico Europe on 25 January 2026 and Cypriot media.
The use of this slur perpetuates harmful stereotypes and violence against persons with intellectual disabilities. It is shocking and unacceptable.
Its use by private citizens is reprehensible. However, MEP Panayiotou’s position as an elected Member of the European Parliament compounds even further the harm that such language has on the rights of persons with disabilities.
We call on you to request MEP Panayiotou to apologise publicly and, if he refuses, to initiate disciplinary procedures.
We thank you for considering this request and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Jagna Marczulajtis-Walczak MEP
Alex Agius Saliba MEP
Katrin Langensiepen MEP
Rosa Estaràs Ferragut MEP
Brando Benifei MEP
Tilly Metz MEP
Chiara Gemma MEP
Kathleen Funchion MEP
Pál Szekeres MEP