Cypriot European Parliament member Fidias Panayiotou said on Sunday that Israel is buying the island of Cyprus through aggressive real estate purchases and land development projects, according to a Ynet report.
26-year-old Panayiotou, an online influencer, won the European parliamentary election in June 2024 as an independent before founding the Direct Democracy party in February 2026, according to the European Parliament website.
The website also included a list of Panayiotou's most recent parliamentary activities, which include an April 2026 meeting with the Iranian ambassador to Belgium.
Later on Sunday, Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus Oren Anolik responded to Panayiotou's comments in a post on X/Twitter, describing them as "deeply concerning."
"The relationship between Israel and Cyprus is built on a foundation of shared values, mutual respect, and a strong friendship," said Anolik. "When political discourse utilizes age-old stereotypes regarding 'foreign economic power' to incite fear, it enters dangerous territory."
Anolik: Panayiotou's rhetoric 'fuels antisemitism'
Anolik further accused Panayiotou of fueling antisemitism, saying his comments were "baseless" and carry "an undertone of prejudice that should have no place in a modern, democratic European nation."
The ambassador concluded by calling on Cypriot officials to condemn the comments. He also emphasized Israel's partnership with the country.
President of Cyprus's Democratic Party, Nikolas Papadopoulos, also responded to Panayiotou's remarks in an X post on Monday, saying the comments were "harmful to our homeland."
Papadopoulos further described the country's relationship with Israel and other Mediterranean states as "important," saying they "must be safeguarded."