One year into EU politics, Fidias Panayiotou reflects on entering a system he openly admits he didn’t fully understand at the start. From learning how power really works in Brussels to navigating media attacks, public backlash, and constant pressure to conform, this conversation pulls back the curtain on life inside the European Union.
We talk about the moments that sparked the most controversy, including abstaining from a highly emotional parliamentary vote, being labelled “pro-Russian” by critics, and why he believes some narratives pushed by institutions and media simply don’t match reality. He explains how certain numbers and claims are used politically, why questioning them comes at a personal cost, and how dissent is treated inside modern European politics. The discussion also turns personal. He opens up about his family life, the harassment he’s faced at home, graffiti on his house, and receiving regular death threats and why he still refuses to stay silent. Despite the pressure, he argues that democracy only works if politicians are willing to represent voters honestly, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.
