Cyprus’s well-known YouTuber was chosen to serve as an independent Member of the European Parliament.
Fidias Panayiotou has referred to himself as a “professional mistake maker” in the past. Among his many online mishaps are attempts to embrace one hundred celebrities, including Elon Musk, and a week-long stay in a coffin.
Despite having no prior political experience, the 24-year-old, who has more than 2.6 million followers, received the third-highest percentage of votes (19.4%).
“What transpired was shocking—a miracle,” Mr. Panayiotou remarked.
“The parties should take it as a warning that they must modernize and listen to the people,” he said on the radio.
Mr. Panayiotou was obliged to issue an apology last year after he incited anger in Japan with a YouTube video in which he avoided paying for breakfast at a five-star hotel and train tickets.
In the video, which received millions of views, he rode Japan’s renowned bullet train while avoiding paying fees by hiding in restrooms and pretending to be ill.
However, he announced, “We are writing history,” during a celebration of his victory on Sunday in Nicosia’s Eleftheria Square. Not only in Cyprus, but also across borders.”
Politico claims that Mr. Panayiotou announced his intention to run for office in January.
While dressed in shorts, a suit jacket, trainers, and three neck ties for his appearance on TV’s , he acknowledged that he did.
