Social media influencer-turned-MEP Fidias Panayiotou has let his followers choose whether they wanted to support Ursula von der Leyen as the head of the European Commission for a second term.
In an online poll, Panayiotou asked his followers over July 13-15 if they wanted him to vote for von der Leyen to remain as EC President.
As of writing on the morning of July 15, more than 100,ooo people had taken part in the vote and more than half did not support von der Leyen.
Do you want me to vote for Ursula von der Leyen to remain as president of the European Comission?
Whatever you say I will do.
— Fidias (@Fidias0) July 13, 2024
The influencer-turned-MEP has previously addressed and followed the wishes of his followers regarding political decision-making and recently decided to remain independent in the European Parliament after a similar online vote, despite having held talks with the Greens.
While some supported the initiative to put his standpoint on von der Leyen’s future to a popular vote, others were more sceptical.
“I very much appreciate you wanting to listen to the people, but this is a decision for those you directly represent in Cyprus, not the rest of the world who will voice their opinions here. Please think about this seriously,” said one X poster.
In a TikTok video advertising the poll, the MEP seemed to take his role as an elected representative rather seriously.
“Through me you have a voice for the future,” he said.
The newly elected MEP and YouTube star said he sought to bring change to the EP through the wishes expressed by the votes of his followers.
He recently published a video titled How Much Politicians Get Paid detailing the various salaries and allowances he as a European representative is now entitled to, sparking debate, with some believing MEPS to be “overpaid”.
The 720 Members of Parliament are expected to vote on July 18 on German von der Leyen’s political future, deciding if she will have a second five-year term as European Commission President .
Will new MEPs push EP towards a form of ‘participatory democracy’? https://t.co/vNxYwW6nEq
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) June 24, 2024
