Cyprus election shakes parliament: far-right ELAM surges, YouTuber party wins seats

Cyprus’s parliamentary elections deliver a political earthquake, as far-right and anti-establishment forces reshape the island’s legislature. The conservative Democratic Rally (DISY) retains its position as the largest party but loses ground to the nationalist ELAM, which nearly doubles its seats, while a party led by YouTuber Fidias Panayiotou enters parliament for the first time.

Final results confirm DISY secured 17 of the 56 seats in the House of Representatives, down from 18 in 2021, according to *Phile News* . The far-right ELAM surges to 10 seats, up from six, marking its strongest performance to date. The left-wing Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) follows with 15 seats, a slight decline from 16.

The most dramatic breakthrough comes from Direct Democracy Cyprus, a party founded by social media influencer Fidias Panayiotou, which wins three seats. Panayiotou, a former YouTuber with over 1.5 million subscribers, declares the result "the birth of a new political era" in a post-election statement . His party campaigned on anti-corruption and digital governance, capitalizing on voter disillusionment with traditional parties.

Exit polls and early analyses point to a collapse in centrist support, with smaller parties and independents collectively gaining 11 seats, up from eight. *Deutsche Welle* reports that the election reflects a broader European trend of voter frustration with established parties, particularly on issues like migration and economic stagnation . ELAM’s rise mirrors gains by far-right movements in Greece and Italy, though its leaders reject comparisons to extremist groups, framing their platform as nationalist but democratic.

The election also saw record-low turnout at 58%, down from 66% in 2021, as reported by *Neos Kosmos* . Analysts attribute the decline to disenchantment with the political class, exacerbated by a stagnant economy and stalled reunification talks with the Turkish Cypriot north.

With no party holding a majority, coalition negotiations are expected to be protracted. DISY leader Averof Neophytou has ruled out cooperation with ELAM but faces pressure to form a stable government amid rising polarization. The entry of Panayiotou’s party adds a wild card, with observers predicting a more fragmented and unpredictable legislature.

The results underscore Cyprus’s shifting political landscape, where traditional parties now compete with digital-native movements and hardline factions. The new parliament will convene in June, with its first test likely to be the approval of a new government and the 2027 budget.

> Background: **DISY wins Cyprus election but loses ground as far-right ELAM surges and new parties enter parliament** — *10 hours ago*