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Cypriot YouTuber Fidias Elected as Independent MEP

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A popular YouTuber from Cyprus, Fidias Panayiotou, has been elected as an independent Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Known for his unconventional online antics, including attempting to hug 100 celebrities and spending a week in a coffin, the 24-year-old Panayiotou has over 2.6 million subscribers on YouTube. Despite having no prior political experience, he secured 19.4% of the vote, the third-largest share.

Mr. Panayiotou expressed his surprise at the election outcome, calling it a “miracle,” and emphasized that political parties need to modernize and listen to the people. Last year, he faced backlash in Japan for a video where he dodged train fares and a hotel bill by hiding in toilets and pretending to be ill, which amassed millions of views.

Celebrating his win at Eleftheria Square in Nicosia, Panayiotou declared that they were making history both in Cyprus and internationally. Initially, he ran for election to inspire youth engagement in politics, despite his own admission of limited political knowledge and never having voted before. His candidacy significantly boosted voter turnout in Cyprus, rising to nearly 59% from 45% in the 2019 elections, partly attributed to what analysts dubbed the “Fidias factor.”

Exit poll analysis by Philenews revealed that Panayiotou garnered 40% of the votes from the 18-24 age group and 28% from the 25-34 age group. The six Cypriot MEPs elected included representatives from the conservative DISY (25%), the communist party AKEL (22%), the ultranationalist ELAM (11%), and the centrist party Diko (10%).

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Women and Youth Propel Power Shift in Poland’s Elections

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At 01:33 on Monday, Szymon Szumniak cast his vote at Wroclaw Polling Station No 148, having endured a six-hour queue in the freezing cold, long after the polls were due to close. The lengthy wait, a symbol of the immense engagement in Poland’s parliamentary election, saw a record turnout of over 74%, resulting in the removal of the right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS) from power.

Szymon, an entertainment blogger, recounted the remarkable solidarity shown in the queue, with locals offering blankets, hot beverages, and even entertainment. Similarly heartening instances of community support unfolded, such as a local pizza company distributing free food and redirecting surplus funds to charity, prompting Szymon to stay determined and contribute to the democratic process.

The election witnessed a notable surge in the participation of young voters, with 68.8% of those under 29 turning out, surpassing the turnout of the over-60s, which is an unusual trend. The youth’s support for change was evident in areas like Wroclaw, where the opposition Civic Coalition secured a significant victory over PiS.

Both major parties directed aggressive campaigns during the election, with the government propagating fears of chaos under Civic Coalition, and its leader, Donald Tusk, being labeled a European pawn. In contrast, Tusk emphasized the threat PiS posed to democracy, a message that resonated strongly with younger voters.

The high voter turnout, along with strategic voting efforts, emphasized the significance of this election in safeguarding democratic values and the country’s relationship with the EU. Women’s voices, particularly in response to restrictive abortion laws, were also pivotal, with campaigns urging them to exercise their rights at the ballot box.

With the potential government change, issues such as abortion laws are poised for reform, with promises of terminations on demand up to 12 weeks by the Civic Coalition and Left parties. The mandate from society for such changes underscores the need for the new administration to deliver on their promises.

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