Elon Musk continued his vocal support of Greek Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou on Saturday, urging his followers on X to “Vote for Fidias,” calling him “smart, super high energy,” and someone who “genuinely cares about you!” He also amplified a video from Panayiotou with the slogan “MEGA! Make Europe Great Again!”
This latest endorsement reinforces the unusual bond between the tech mogul and the controversial politician, a relationship that began in January 2023 when then-YouTuber Panayiotou camped outside Twitter headquarters for weeks hoping to meet Musk. The resulting encounter and viral embrace sparked a connection that has blossomed into mutual political admiration.
Since his surprise independent victory in the 2024 European Parliament elections, Panayiotou has mirrored many of Musk’s viewpoints, advocating for reduced online regulation and echoing Musk’s business practices by proposing significant cuts to EU bureaucracy, particularly within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk has frequently championed Panayiotou, even suggesting in November 2024 that he run for president of the European Commission. This support has significantly raised Panayiotou’s profile, especially among young voters drawn to his unconventional, social media-savvy approach.
However, Panayiotou’s outspoken stances, including his controversial position on reducing EU support for Ukraine, have drawn considerable criticism and accusations of promoting a far-right agenda and echoing Russian propaganda, despite running as an independent. While he enjoys a dedicated following, his controversial views continue to fuel debate.