Member of the European Parliament looks for a bodyguard on social media

Fidias Panayiotou, leader of the Cypriot party “Direct Democracy” and a Member of the European Parliament, posted a video address announcing that he is looking for a qualified police officer to provide personal security. In the parliamentary elections held in May 2026, his political force won 5.4% of the vote, securing 4 seats in the House of Representatives, which gave him the legal right to state protection. Panayiotou decided to conduct the selection in his usual open format — through social media.

Selection criteria and requirements for candidates:
In his video address, the politician made a direct appeal to serving law enforcement officers. He clarified that the selection process is being coordinated through the relevant association and outlined the key requirements for applicants:
— Current status as a police officer in Cyprus.
— Proven high qualifications in the field of protective security.
— Practical experience in personal protection or escort units.

From blogging to parliamentary work:
Fidias Panayiotou gained wide recognition as a popular YouTube and TikTok blogger. Later, he moved into public politics, first being elected to the European Parliament in 2024 and then founding the “Direct Democracy” movement. He continues to maintain his anti-establishment course and emphasis on interactive engagement with the audience when dealing with current administrative issues.

At present, the Cyprus Police leadership, together with a specialized committee, is developing updated security protocols for the leaders of parties that entered parliament for the first time following the 2026 elections, including “Direct Democracy” and the “Alma” movement. The final number and allocation schemes for protected persons are approved on the basis of an assessment of operational risks by the Council of Ministers of the republic.