Yanis Varoufakis to Stand Trial After Podcast Admission of 1989 Ecstasy Use
Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis has been formally charged with promoting drug use and faces a trial in December, following his public admission on a podcast that he took ecstasy nearly four decades ago. The outspoken economist and political figure revealed the incident during an interview in January, sparking a legal investigation that his party condemns as a politically motivated attempt to silence him.
Podcast Remarks Lead to Legal Summons
On the '3026: Human Algorithm' podcast in January, Varoufakis recounted trying ecstasy at a festival in Sydney in 1989, describing it as a "terrific experience" initially but followed by severe migraines. He also mentioned past marijuana use. The 64-year-old, who served briefly in Greece's left-wing Syriza government during the 2015 financial crisis, insisted he shared the story to warn listeners about the dangers of drug addiction, which he called the "end of liberty."
However, Greek authorities have interpreted his comments differently, charging him with "provocation and drug advertising." Varoufakis was summoned by police for questioning last month, and his party, MeRA25, announced he will stand trial in December. In a statement, MeRA25 accused Greece's conservative government of manipulating the judiciary to target Varoufakis, a popular figure on the European Left.
Varoufakis Denounces Charges as Political Persecution
Varoufakis has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the charges are part of a broader political agenda. On social media, he wrote that the case has "nothing to do with drugs" but is instead a symptom of a "West-wide, surge of an insidious new form of fascism." He expressed honour at being persecuted, viewing it as an opportunity to rally global support against such tactics.
His party echoed this sentiment, stating in a Wednesday release: "The idea of a political party leader standing trial for referring to his experience with substances many decades ago is not a random and innocent blunder. We will not remain silent. Neither about the provocative manipulation of the judiciary nor about the major problem of addiction."
Background and Political Context
Varoufakis, a self-described "erratic Marxist," is the leader of MeRA25, part of the Democracy in Europe Movement 2025 (DiEM25), which he co-founded in 2016. During his tenure as finance minister in 2015, he infuriated euro zone partners with his unconventional style during bailout negotiations at the height of Greece's debt crisis. His recent legal troubles come amid ongoing political tensions in Greece, with critics alleging the government is using the courts to stifle opposition voices.
The trial is set to proceed in December, with Varoufakis and his supporters preparing to challenge the charges as an overreach of state power. The case has drawn international attention, highlighting issues of free speech, drug policy, and political repression in modern Europe.
