MEP Fidias Panayiotou has drawn sharp criticism from the government and political parties over his interview with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, with officials warning it risks reinforcing the narrative of the authorities in the north.
The move sparked outrage across the political spectrum. DIKO called him “a pawn of Turkish propaganda,” EDEK accused him of “committing sacrilege against the country,” and DIPA said his actions “confer recognition on the illegal entity in the occupied areas.”
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis described the interview as “regrettable,” saying it could be exploited by the “occupation regime” and might violate UN Security Council resolutions. He expressed concern not just about the interview itself, but also about its setting, subtly pointing to sensitivities around official visits to northern Cyprus.
“Every public act carries political weight and consequences,” Letymbiotis said, urging elected officials to act in the national interest and warning that such incidents risk damaging Cyprus’ international standing.
Panayiotou, who gained popularity through social media before being elected, has not yet publicly responded to the criticism. His supporters argue that engagement with all sides could encourage dialogue, but critics view this as dangerously naïve and diplomatically damaging.
The incident comes at a sensitive time for the Cyprus issue, with reunification talks stalled and international attention focused elsewhere.
DIKO accused Panayiotou of being manipulated due to “ignorance and naivety,” while EDEK said he had “crossed a red line” by aiding Turkish propaganda and undermining the legacy of those affected by the 1974 invasion.
Letymbiotis closed by calling for unity, saying the issue touches the core of national sensitivities and goes beyond individual actions.

Source: Parikiaki.com