Democracy in Europe Movement 2025 official podcast. Subversive ideas you won't hear anywhere else.
E40: The war on truth – Julian Assange, media and global discourse
This week, we’ll have the final ruling on whether Julian Assange can be extradited to the US, to face a 175-year prison sentence for revealing the secrets of power. The case casts a long shadow over press freedom, signaling what many see as the ultimate demise of journalistic independence. At the same time, the media’s historical role in supporting (selling) conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and its imbalanced coverage of the situation in Gaza, raises pressing questions about the impartiality and integrity of our news sources. While accusations of ‘disinformation’ have become increasingly weaponised to discredit dissent. As we stand on the brink of global conflict, what does all this mean for the future of journalism, democratic discourse, and our understanding of world events? How do these dynamics affect our ability to confront power and make informed decisions as a society? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Karin De Rigo and Federico Dolce, investigates.
2/21/2024 • 58 minutes, 27 seconds
E39: Farming fury — what’s really driving EU protests?
Farmers’ protests have erupted across the EU. In Germany, Greece, Italy and other countries, they’re blocking city centres with tractors, spraying manure on government buildings and pelting officials with eggs. Why? Inadequate compensation, high taxes, red tape and the impact of climate regulations. Establishment media have dismissed the protests as the grumblings of a coddled group over unfair competition, and suggested that the rallies are driven by the far-right. But others point out that far-right parties are co-opting farmers’ legitimate concerns: those of ordinary people whose needs are being ignored by elites. What’s really behind these protests? And with the European elections on the horizon, and far-right parties on the rise, what might it all mean? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Karin De Rigo and Federico Dolce, investigates. Join us live and have your say!
2/8/2024 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 50 seconds
Lucas Febraro interviews Udi Raz — Jewish guide FIRED from Berlin's Jewish Museum for supporting Palestine
An interview with Udi Raz from Jewish Voice for Peace in the Middle East on how the Holocaust impacted the societies and politics of both Germany and Israel January 27 is Holocaust Remembrance Day, a date of enormous symbolic importance in Europe, marking one of the darkest chapters in human history. It's a day of particular significance in Germany, of course. The so-called remembrance culture, Germany's reckoning with the legacy of the Nazi periods, and the industrial scale genocides perpetrated by the Nazi regime, have been much lauded internationally. But today, parts of this culture are increasingly coming into question by many, with charges of antisemitism being used by German institutions to silence voices speaking up for the rights of Palestinians in particular. The targets of these charges are, disproportionately, the Palestinians themselves, Arabs, more broadly, and Jews. On the international stage, meanwhile, Germany's long steadfast support for the State of Israel, which remains unshaken even as the civilian toll in Gaza continues to climb to ever more obscene numbers, has raised the ire of many. The support, of course, is again justified by the legacy of the Holocaust and the German state's resulting sense of responsibility towards the security of the Jewish state. What about Israel itself? How has the memory of the Holocaust shaped Israeli society and how does it influence the Israeli government's words and actions? To discuss all this, DiEM25 Communications Director Lucas Febraro sat down with Udi Raz, a doctoral fellow at the Berlin Graduate School for Muslim Cultures and Societies and a board member of Jewish Voice for Peace in the Middle East, in Germany.
1/31/2024 • 50 minutes, 39 seconds
E38: Israel in court — game changer or sideshow?
A new front has opened on Israel-Palestine: South Africa confronted Israel with accusations of genocide at the UN’s top court. The submission also called on the court to order the Jewish state to stop its military operations against Palestinians, which have killed more than 23,350 civilians since October 7. The case has already exposed divisions in Europe, with Germany’s unwavering support for Israel standing in stark contrast to statements from officials in Spain, Ireland and Belgium. Could this court case really change the reality for the people of Gaza, or is it just a sideshow as Israel continues its murderous campaign? And what might its outcome mean for Israel’s credibility, for European governments, and for us all? Join Yanis Varoufakis and our team of activists and thinkers as we dive into this topic. Tune in live and share your thoughts and questions with us! SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
1/17/2024 • 50 minutes, 4 seconds
The information war on Israel-Palestine: a conversation with Lucas Febraro and Mehran Khalili
In this interview Mehran Khalili talks with Lucas Febraro, DiEM25 Communications Director, about the situation in the Middle east and the information war that's running in parallel with it. #Gaza #Israel #Palestine
1/13/2024 • 39 minutes, 17 seconds
E90: Holiday Special
It’s that time of year! So in this holiday livestream, we’re switching things up a bit. Join us as we look back on the pivotal moments of 2023. We’ll be predicting what lies ahead, and discussing the implications for anti-establishment activism. It’s not all serious though. We’ll also be sharing our personal holiday season recommendations – and we'd love to hear yours too. Drop your thoughts in the chat and we’ll discuss them live. So pour yourself a favorite beverage and spend some time with Yanis Varoufakis, Karin De Rigo, Lucas Febraro, and the rest of our team as we wind down the old and welcome the new. SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
12/20/2023 • 58 minutes, 57 seconds
E36: COP28 — A new path or old mistakes?
As the dust settles on COP28, it's time to reflect: did this conference mark a turning point in the global fight against climate change, or was it another chapter in a long story of missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises? In a world where the effects of climate change are disproportionately borne by those least responsible, Europe's role extends beyond its borders, with debates raging over Europe's role and responsibilities in the climate crisis. With new commitments made and old ones scrutinised, we ask the question: Can Europe lead the way towards a sustainable future with climate justice? And, if so, how? Join Yanis Varoufakis and our team of activists and thinkers as we dissect the outcomes of COP28. Tune in live and share your thoughts and questions with us! SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
12/7/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 5 seconds
The awful truth behind Dutch election results — Mehran Khalili interviews Lucille Cornelius
In this interview, recorded on November 22, Mehran Khalili talks with Lucille Cornelius, DiEM25 member and activist living in Amsterdam, Netherlands, about the real meaning behind the Dutch election results, rising far-right and what we can do to tackle this political trend across Europe. SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
11/29/2023 • 21 minutes, 44 seconds
E88: The new global disorder?
Several latent conflicts have resurfaced. In Gaza, Israel’s relentless bombardment of innocent civilians in Palestine is entering its seventh week. In Ukraine, the fight against Russia is slipping towards a violent, bloody stalemate. These conflicts are testing traditional geopolitical alliances, and bringing about new ones. Meanwhile, this century has seen major shifts in world power. The US is no longer dominant, while China, Russia, and India have grown stronger and more influential. With these power shifts and global instability, how can we work towards peace? And what role should Europe play in this new global order? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and Amir Kiyaei, will be tackling these issues and more. Join us and put your questions to them live! SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
11/22/2023 • 57 minutes, 16 seconds
E34: Free Speech or Hate Speech? Gaza, Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Mainstream media and politicians are decrying a surge in antisemitic incidents in Europe, as Israel continues its indiscriminate bombing of Palestinians in retaliation for the Hamas attack of October 7. But these pronouncements have also sparked accusations of Islamophobia. Some politicians and commentators have implied that antisemitism is intrinsic to Muslim communities. Meanwhile, European leaders and institutions are intensifying their crackdown on public solidarity with the Palestinian cause, banning protests, cancelling events, and creating a climate that challenges Europe’s commitment to free speech. What’s the reality behind these disturbing dynamics? What repercussions might there be for the wider Middle Eastern context? And, of course, what can we all do about it? That’s what our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and Julijana Zita, will discuss. Join us and put your questions to them live! End the siege on Gaza! End Israeli apartheid!: Sign the petition: https://diem25.org/end-the-siege-gaza-end-israeli-apartheid SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
11/10/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 1 second
E33: Gaza screams for help. Why won’t Europe listen?
We’re more than two weeks into the implacable collective punishment of the Palestinian people by Israel. Thousands of civilians have been killed, most of them children, in a campaign that has Palestinians and Western activists and academics ringing the alarm bells of genocide. And yet our European leaders seem incapable to see anything but Israel exercising its “right to self-defence”. Unelected Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered her unqualified support to Israel, with not a word about respect for the rights of Palestinians. French leader Emmanuel Macron criminalised pro-Palestine protests, as did German chancellor Olaf Scholz—who has also called for less refugees coming into Germany, and even for mass deportations. How independent can Europe be, when it falls so nakedly in line with the US’ position on the conflict? What’s really behind these cowardly moves of our 'leaders'? And what can all of us, watching the horrors unfold on our screens, do about it? Sign the petition: https://diem25.org/end-the-siege-gaza-end-israeli-apartheid/
10/25/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 46 seconds
E32: Israel-Hamas: What’s happening, and what can we do?
For over half a century, the enduring occupation of Palestine has led to indescribable suffering being inflicted upon the Palestinian population. Leading Palestinian, Israeli and international human rights groups have said that the totality and severity of the human rights violations against the Palestinian population amount to the crime against humanity of apartheid. Living under the shadow of apartheid, individuals are left with a grim choice: silent suffering or resistance. Days ago, Hamas—the Islamist organisation that governs the blockaded and densely populated Gaza Strip—launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, with fighting raging well inside Israeli territory. Hundreds of Israelis and Palestinians have already been killed, many of them civilians. How can we bring a stop to the loss of innocent lives, and prevent a possibly catastrophic response from the far-right Israel government? How does this conflict relate to others around the world, including the war currently raging in Ukraine? And, most importantly, how can we achieve a lasting, just peace, in Palestine and beyond? That’s what our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and Julijana Zita, will discuss. Join us live and be part of this vital conversation.
10/11/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 59 seconds
E31: Silencing voices — the war on civil liberties
When is infringing on civil liberties fair game against political opponents? 2023 has seen a depressing uptick in attacks on civil liberties in the name of political disagreement, from across the ideological spectrum. Jeremy Corbyn was a victim of a frivolous lawsuit to silence him. Nigel Farage claimed his bank account was closed due to his controversial ‘values’. And across both sides of the Atlantic, prominent activists, journalists and influencers have been deplatformed or experienced financial repercussions as a consequence of their political stances. The list goes on. In this live discussion, we’ll be asking: Is it ever justifiable to curtail civil liberties, like freedom of speech and financial access, when the individuals involved hold polarising views? Or does this set a dangerous precedent for the erosion of democratic norms? Our diverse panel — including our own Yanis Varoufakis — will bring various perspectives to the table on the vital issue.
9/28/2023 • 59 minutes, 6 seconds
E30: Africa and BRICS assert themselves. What should Europe do?
Major events in Africa have taken place in recent weeks. In Niger and Gabon, coups d’état removed historical European allies from power, adding to a growing list of such events in the Western part of the continent since 2020. New governments in countries like Burkina Faso, backed by broad popular support, are reassessing their deep neocolonial ties with Europe, particularly France. While Paris and its remaining West African allies reject the authority of these governments, and even threaten war. Meanwhile, a landmark summit of the BRICS group of major emerging economies happened in Johannesburg. The bloc’s leaders stated their intention to shape the global economic order, reduce dependency on the US dollar, expand its membership, and promote green growth. Could this wave of upheaval in Africa lead to an end to European exploitation? Or will it only result in despotism and corruption? Can the emboldened BRICS really lead the world into a fairer international order? And what should Europe’s place be in all of this? That’s what we’ll debate with our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Nomazulu Thata and Amir Kiyaei. Join us live and send us your comments and questions!
9/14/2023 • 1 hour, 2 seconds
E29: Grief and anger in France: liberty, equality and fraternity for whom?
Anger is palpable in the streets of France today, as the recent killing of 17-year-old Nahel by police during a traffic stop ignited countrywide protests. Such large-scale unrest hadn’t been seen since the Gilet Jaunes movement took off five years ago. As a result of this, and of his extremely unpopular pension reform – which also saw widespread protests – Emmanuel Macron's popularity has hit rock bottom, with support surging for both the far-right and the Left. What does all of this mean for people in France, and what lessons can be learned by those elsewhere in Europe? Join us for this vital conversation featuring Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita, Erik Edman and the rest of our team, as well as our special guest, Stathis Kouvelakis. And remember to send us your comments and questions live!
7/12/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 27 seconds
E28: Europe’s Mediterranean graveyard – with Yanis Varoufakis, Miguel Duarte and more
This month saw one of the worst shipwrecks in Europe in a decade. Up to 700 people drowned, including at least 100 children, when a refugee boat sank off the Greek coast on June 14. It’s another tragic milestone resulting from the anti-migrant policies of governments like Greece, and of the EU itself. Inhumane policies that were given voice last year by the EU’s foreign affairs chief: Europe is “beautiful garden”, he said, that must be protected from the surrounding “jungle” that’s ready to “invade it”. Similar tragedies have failed to bring enough public attention to the plight of migrants in the Mediterranean. This time, though, could be different. Survivors and NGOs have accused Greek authorities of playing a role in the deaths. The Hellenic Coast Guard, they say, watched the boat drift for hours without making any attempt to rescue people — and may have then contributed to its capsizing. What are the latest developments in this crisis? Who should be held accountable? And what needs to change to prevent further tragedies? Join us for this vital conversation featuring our special guest, Miguel Duarte, a tireless migrants’ rights activist who has already aided in the rescue of 14,000 people. And send us your comments and questions live.
6/28/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 7 seconds
E27: Beyond bigotry — Why are transgender rights under attack?
DiEM25 has always stood firmly against transphobia and all forms of discrimination. There is no question for our movement about the validity of transgender rights. In mainstream media and the wider society, though, numerous related issues have ignited fiery debates, including potential implications for women's spaces, the question of youth transitioning, and the impact on sports competitions. As a result, the trans community has been under attack not only by the Right, but also some on the Left and in the LGBTQ+ community. Some of these debates are clearly a smokescreen for veiled bigotry. But are some of them just reservations in response to rapidly evolving gender norms? And, if so, how do we address some of the myths and concerns currently driving transphobia, and make sure people out there ally with the cause of the trans community around Europe? Our team, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and Dusan Pajovic, investigates.
6/16/2023 • 1 hour, 49 seconds
Frontline 06: Should killing nature be a crime? | An interview with JoJo Mehta
There are growing calls for the crime of "ecocide", meaning mass damage and destruction of ecosystems, to be recognised in international criminal law. This would ensure that individuals, company directors, CEOs, can be prosecuted for the ecological damage caused by the organisations they head up, like oil spills, deforestation, or soil pollution, wherever these organisations may be. Could this be the missing piece in the broader battle against climate change? Is it workable? And what are the steps to get there? We interview Jojo Mehta, executive director and co-founder of Stop Ecocide International, to find out. More info about Stop Ecocide International: https://www.stopecocide.earth/ Mentioned in the podcast Stop Ecocide International Young Climate Activists Lead Blockade at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Eradicating Ecocide by Polly Higgins The World We Made by Jonathon Porritt #futuregen, Lessons from a Small Country by Jane Davidson
6/9/2023 • 57 minutes, 52 seconds
E26: What the hell happened to Green politics? With Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and more!
Not so long ago, the term “green politics” had a much more radical meaning, and a vote for a Green party was a vote for climate justice. Green parties have benefitted politically from the impact of growing movements like Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion. They have entered government in countries like Germany and Austria, partnering with far-right parties in the process. In Germany, they are razing villages to open the way for new coal mining, while the world is careening towards the crucial 1.5 °C mark in the average global temperature rise. And when it comes to world affairs, while previously firmly anti-war, some are now taking pro-war stances. In addition to this, terms like “green” and “sustainable” are being coopted by politicians and corporations alike (with the EU’s recent Beyond Growth Conference providing some fresh examples). What happened? Our team, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and Dusan Pajovic, investigates.
6/1/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 39 seconds
E25: Election update! With Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and our political candidates from Bremen
In the next few days, we’ll make history: for the first time ever, an international left-wing movement will be running in elections in two different countries, just a week apart. Our political parties MERA25 will be on the ballot in general elections in Greece, and in the German state of Bremen. In a sense, these two bids couldn’t be more different. In Greece, our party has been in parliament for four years, and we’re led by a former finance minister. In Bremen, we’re building something from the ground up, with a dedicated local group of mostly first-time activists. But both cases are a chance for us to put DiEM25's groundbreaking proposals, radicality and spirit of internationalism to the electorate. So on tonight’s livestream, we’ll be checking in with the candidates and campaign teams. What is electoral campaigning like in 2023? What challenges have they faced? And what’s the historic significance of the coming few days?
5/12/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 57 seconds
E24: Is Europe a vassal of the US? With Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita, Erik Edman and more!
Speaking during an official visit to China, Emmanuel Macron said that Europe should chart its own course and be a 'third pole' in world affairs between Washington and Beijing – and not be a vassal to either as the New Cold War threatens to escalate. Unsurprisingly, his comments have caused unease among many European leaders, for whom unquestioned alignment with Washington is the only way. Is Europe today “a vassal” of the US? And if we were to chart our own course, what should that look like? We’ll explore these questions in detail – including how they relate to DiEM25’s campaign for a New Non-Aligned Movement.
4/19/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 57 seconds
How to fix the housing crisis — MERA25 Talks E1
Why is housing broken in so many countries in Europe? And how can a political party that goes beyond national borders make sure that having a roof over your head goes back to what it should always be: a basic right? Join activists from our political parties – MERA25 Germany, MERA25 Italy, and MERA25 Greece – as we debate this, and much more, in the first episode of MERA25 Talks!
4/14/2023 • 47 minutes, 40 seconds
E23: GPT-4 and beyond - Discussing AI with Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita, Maja Pelevic and more
Join Yanis Varoufakis and the coordinating team of DiEM25 for a live discussion on the potential impact of AI on our lives, in light of the recent release of GPT-4. We’ll explore the ways in which AI could revolutionise the political landscape, potentially altering the way decisions are made and how we engage with our leaders. We’ll look at the implications of AI on the job market, on activism, and on people’s lives more broadly. And, of course, we’ll take your questions and comments. Tune in!
4/7/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 6 seconds
E22: Housing is out of control
Across Europe, the cost of housing has risen sharply in recent years. Rents have exploded; neighbourhoods gentrified; public spaces privatised. The result: more and more people facing homelessness or precarious living conditions. What are the root causes of this growing — yet relatively under-reported — crisis? What are the different housing challenges people are facing across European countries? And what can we do to help make sure everyone has the basics: an affordable, decent roof over their heads? Our pan-European panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and Julijana Zita, investigate!
3/23/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 49 seconds
E21: When privatisation kills
Last week, a devastating train collision in Greece claimed at least 57 lives, the latest stain on the record of the EU’s most dangerous rail network. In the Greek parliament, our political party MeRA25 blamed the lack of safety on the privatisation of the country’s railways. The state-owned train operator was sold for a measly 45 million euros to a bankrupt Italian company at the height of Greece’s debt crisis, in a sell-off of public assets masterminded by the EU and the country’s other creditors. How do the waves of privatisation of public services across Europe impact the state's ability to provide basic needs and keep citizens safe? And how can we prevent tragedies like the Greek rail disaster from happening again? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and our activist and policy experts from across Europe, debates. Join us live and send us your comments and questions.
3/16/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 23 seconds
Erik Edman and Amineh Kakabaveh on Sweden, NATO, Ukraine, Iran and more!
In this interview for DiEM TV, DiEM25 Political Director Erik Edman interviews independent Swedish politician and former MP Amineh Kakabaveh. Together they discuss the rise of the far right, the role of the Left in Sweden and beyond, NATO, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the fight for freedom in Iran, and much more. This interview was originally recorded on October 20, 2022.
3/2/2023 • 18 minutes, 11 seconds
E20: A political earthquake?
Disaster struck Turkey and Syria this month when a devastating earthquake caused over 48,000 deaths, with the toll still climbing. The Turkish government’s emergency response has been heavily criticised, with many arguing that the devastating number of casualties has a lot to do with rampant corruption and authoritarianism of Erdogan’s regime – widespread graft in the construction industry leading to unsafe buildings, political appointees with no expertise leading chaotic relief operations, and the gutting of civil society organisations hampering humanitarian efforts in Kurdish areas in particular. With all this happening just months before a crucial presidential election, what’s the outlook for Turkey, and what should European progressives' take on it be? Our panel, including Defne Dalkara, Yanis Varoufakis and Erik Edman, debates. Join us live and send us your questions and comments! Donate to support the victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquakes: https://diem25.org/turkey-syria-earthquakes-how-and-where-donate/
2/22/2023 • 58 minutes, 34 seconds
Jeremy Corbyn on the war in Ukraine, the need for a new Non-Aligned Movement and much more
In May 2022, Jeremy Corbyn spoke at MeRA25's Congress in Athens following the presentation of the Athens Declaration: a call for support for victims of war and a new Non-Aligned Movement. In this speech, Corbyn speaks about the war in Ukraine, the need for a new Non-Aligned Movement, socialism and much more. The Athens Declaration We stand with the people of Ukraine, as we stand with every people suffering invasion, displacement and occupation. We demand an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of Russian forces and a comprehensive Peace Treaty guaranteed by the European Union, the United States and Russia in the context of the United Nations. We urge respect for International Law and all refugees, who must have their rights protected and offered a place of safety regardless of ethnicity, religion etc. We oppose the division of the world in competing blocs that invest in rampant militarism, hyper-modern weapons of mass destruction and a New Cold War. We believe that lasting peace can be achieved only by replacing all military blocs with an inclusive international security framework that de-escalates tensions, expands freedoms, fights poverty, limits exploitation, pursues social and environmental justice and terminates the domination of one country by another. With these thoughts in mind, we call upon democrats across the world to join forces in a New Non-Aligned Movement. In this context, we view non-aligned, democratic and sovereign nations working together as the route to lasting peace and a world that can avert climate catastrophe and bequeath to the next generation a decent chance at creating the conditions for globally shared prosperity.
2/17/2023 • 40 minutes, 44 seconds
E19: Ukraine: Are weapons really the way to peace?
The past weeks have seen a shift in Western involvement in the war between Ukraine and Russia. In a dramatic U-turn, Germany, the US, and the UK massively upgraded their military assistance to Ukraine, agreeing to send the country 100 tanks on top of billions in war aid. While Germany’s foreign minister admitted for the first time: “We are fighting a war against Russia”. Meanwhile, DiEM25’s Yanis Varoufakis was in Cuba, where he delivered a speech arguing for a very different approach: that Europe and countries around the world should reject military blocs and massive weapons deployments, and instead unite around a New Non-Aligned Movement. It’s been almost a year since Putin illegally invaded Ukraine. With both sides preparing for springtime offensives, and tens of thousands of deaths on both sides, it’s time to re-assess what’s really happening here. Are “weapons the way to peace”, as the head of NATO argued in Davos this week? Are we dangerously goading a nuclear-armed nation in a proxy war with the West, while arms makers profit? Or is there a greater geopolitical game afoot? Our panel, including Varoufakis and Julijiana Zita, investigate.
2/9/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 35 seconds
Yanis Varoufakis on why the world needs a new Non-Aligned Movement
On Friday, January 27, 2023, DiEM25 co-founder and MERA25 leader Yanis Varoufakis gave a speech at the Havana Congress on the New International Economic Order, about the need for a new Non-Aligned Movement to "end the legalised robbery of people and Earth fuelling climate catastrophe." The co-founder of DiEM25 was in Cuba on an official visit upon an invitation from the Havana government and a key topic of discussion on his trip was the creation of a New Non-Aligned Movement that will aim for a New International Economic Order.
2/2/2023 • 34 minutes, 36 seconds
E18: The dark side of the EU
Corruption. Bags of cash. Links to organised crime. Using intimidation to stop people asking questions. We always knew this EU was authoritarian and crooked. But a series of recent scandals is bringing its dark side into full relief. The Qatar corruption probe is rocking the European Parliament, having already claimed the jobs of several top MEPs. While over in Frankfurt, the European Central Bank is demanding legal fees to intimidate our own organisation, DiEM25. All because we dared to ask for information that should be publicly available. What’s going on? How did we get here? And what can everyday people do to get the transparent, accountable institutions they deserve? Our panel, including our own Yanis Varoufakis, our German party leader Julijana Zita and political director Erik Edman, investigate.
1/18/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 36 seconds
Frontline 05: Disruptive protest — an interview with Miriam Meyer from Last Generation
Miriam Meyer is a German activist with the environmental protest group Letzte Generation (Last Generation). Since joining the group she has, in her own words, been “getting arrested full-time”. The reason: blocking busy German highways in an effort to disrupt business-as-usual. In this interview with Mehran Khalili, recorded in June 2022, Miriam explains the tactics and the motivation behind the group’s radical actions, and the establishment’s response. At a time in history that requires people willing to go to great lengths for their cause, is Last Generation’s model of protest the way forward?
1/12/2023 • 40 minutes, 15 seconds
E17: Xmas special!
For this special holiday livestream from DiEM25, we’re got something a bit different. Of course, we’ll be looking back on the last year of political action against the oligarchy, and ahead to the new one. What did we learn? What were our successes… and failures? But we’ll also be sharing some more personal thoughts and takeaways from 2022. And since it’s Xmas, for those who join us live, we’ll be giving away DiEM25 merchandise too. So make yourself a coffee or something stronger, and join Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita, Erik Edman, and the rest of the crew for one final time this year. And, as always, send us your comments and questions!
12/23/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 39 seconds
Frontline E04: How to build a nationwide rebellion | An interview with Simon Howard of Don’t Pay UK
Don’t Pay is a grassroots direct action campaign to oppose rising energy bills in Britain. As of writing, Don’t Pay has signed up over 250,000 people to join a payment strike on December 1, with millions more considering taking part. It’s changed the political conversation in the UK around energy costs, resulting in a government reversal on a planned energy price increase. And it has laid the infrastructure for a massive, decentralised movement, with 32,000 volunteer organisers across the country. Not bad for a campaign started on a shoestring by a handful of people just a few months ago! How did they do it? What lessons did they learn along the way? In this interview, Mehran Khalili talks to Simon Howard, Don’t Pay spokesperson and organiser, to find out. — Frontline is a DiEM TV show about people who confront power, to figure out how they do it. The goal: to give you tips, tactics and inspiration for your own activist projects. Find out more information about the Don't Pay UK campaign and sign the plede: https://dontpay.uk/
12/15/2022 • 33 minutes, 22 seconds
E16: What does Elon Musk really want with Twitter?
On October 27, Elon Musk took over Twitter in a 44-billion-dollar deal. The world's richest man promised to make the platform’s content moderation rules less arbitrary, more transparent, and to make the “digital town square” a haven for free speech. Since then, it’s been an eventful few weeks. Half of the company's staff was fired, impersonators took advantage of a new account policy to sow chaos and confusion, prominent accounts were banned and unbanned. And regulators – and even other Big Tech companies like Apple – are threatening to clamp down on Twitter due to concerns about hate speech. Some argue that these are just the growing pains of a platform in dire need of change and that oligarchs with a commitment to free speech like Musk are preferable to those with arbitrary and opaque moderation (or censorship) policies. Others say that Musk’s “commitment” to free speech is nothing but smoke and mirrors hiding a right-wing agenda, or that he’s just a mercurial billionaire with no grand plan at all. Still others – among them our own Yanis Varoufakis – see Musk as the latest member of a new ruling class, eager to turn us into 21st-century serfs using the power of cloud capital. What’s the truth? Varoufakis, Juliana Zita, Mehran Khalili, and the rest of our panel debate. Join us live and send us your questions and comments!
12/7/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 47 seconds
Frontline E03: The worker-led fightback against Amazon | An interview with Agnieszka Mróz
Agnieszka Mróz is a Polish activist and union organiser working at an Amazon warehouse in Poland. Agnieszka Mróz is a worker in an Amazon factory in Poznan, Poland. She’s also a union organiser, and a key player in the struggle against the monster corporation for fair wages and better conditions. In this interview with Mehran Khalili, Agnieszka explores the tactics that her union uses to pressure Amazon’s management. She talks about the dirty tricks Amazon employs to try to keep the union in check, and how media gets the story wrong. And she explains why the fight against Amazon is the epicentre of the pushback against global capitalism more generally. — Frontline is a DiEM TV show about people who confront power, to figure out how they do it. The goal: to give you tips, tactics and inspiration for your own activist projects. Find out more about Amazon Workers International: https://www.transnational-strike.info/projects/amazon-workers-international/ and the Make Amazon Pay campaign: https://makeamazonpay.com/
11/30/2022 • 43 minutes, 25 seconds
E15: This Black Friday, let’s Make Amazon Pay – with Yanis Varoufakis, Dusan Pajovic, and more
For the third consecutive year, a global coalition of trade unions and political organisations, including DiEM25, will stand together against Amazon on Black Friday. This day of action will see strikes and protests take place around the world calling for an end to Amazon’s squeeze on workers, communities and the planet. It once seemed like Amazon was simply too big to be fought effectively by workers and the Left. But recent initiatives such as Make Amazon Pay, and this year’s successful union drive in the US, have slowly but surely started to make dents in the giant corporation’s armour. How can we use Amazon’s global presence against them to support these campaigns across borders, and what does the fight against Amazon tell us about our struggle against capitalism more broadly? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Dusan Pajovic and Amir Kiyaei, debates. Join us live and send us your questions and comments! Support the Make Amazon pay campaign: https://makeamazonpay.com/
11/23/2022 • 53 minutes, 25 seconds
E14: Chaos in the UK! with Yanis Varoufakis, Marshajane Thompson, Julia Moore, and more
Rishi Sunak has taken over as British PM, the richest-ever person to hold the job. He’s already promising austerity for the poorest, with public services like the NHS in danger as never before. Sunak’s appointment comes after the disastrous Liz Truss (who was outlasted by a lettuce at 44 days), and the scandal-ridden premiership of Boris Johnson. What can British people – and those around Europe – expect from this latest (unelected) Tory government? And with a Labour Party incapable of representing common people, should progressives be adding to calls for early elections? Our panel includes our own Yanis Varoufakis and UK campaigner Julia Moore, with special guest Marshajane Thompson, previously Head of Campaigns for Jeremy Corbyn and now coordinator of Your NHS Needs You.
11/2/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 12 seconds
E13: Is this EU worth joining, or is there an alternative?
The war in Ukraine is bringing to light a key issue for non-EU countries today. Some of those countries, including from ex-Yugoslavia, are at another crossroads. Should they join this EU or choose something else? And if the latter, what other realistic options are there? Moreover, looking at the last rounds of EU enlargement, what have been the results so far and what lessons might they offer for other countries considering joining now? Our panel, including Dusan Pajovic, Maja Pelevic, Ivana Nenadovic, Julijana Zita and MeRA25 leader Yanis Varoufakis, debate.
10/19/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 2 seconds
E12: Italy swings far-right with Meloni — why did this happen, and how do we fight back?
Italy went to the polls just over a week ago in an election whose outcome seemed inevitable since Mario Draghi’s unelected government collapsed. The result: a massive victory for the far-right, with the Brothers of Italy becoming the largest party in the country and its leader, Giorgia Meloni, becoming prime minister. The Left, meanwhile, had a dismal day after a campaign marked by disunity and an inability to speak to Italians struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. How did Italy get here, what happens now, and how can the Left rebuild itself into a force capable of challenging the far-right in the present – and defeating it in the future? Our panel, including Federico Dolce, Patrizia Pozzo and MeRA25 leader Yanis Varoufakis, debate.
10/5/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 37 seconds
Frontline 02: Death threats, lawfare and resistance: Fighting fracking in the Global South, with Esteban Servat
Esteban Servat is an Argentinian scientist and anti-fracking activist with a roller-coaster of a story that every activist should hear. In 2018 in rural Argentina, Esteban went head-to-head with his government and the world’s most powerful energy companies. The issue: drilling for oil in the planet’s second-largest shale gas basin, and averting environmental catastrophe for the region and the hundreds of thousands of people who live there. With a leaked report, a Facebook page, and a lot of guts, Esteban mobilised tens of thousands of people in the biggest anti-fracking protest yet witnessed. The government tried to prosecute him. And when that didn’t work, things got dangerous…In this interview with Mehran Khalili for our activism series Frontline, Esteban takes us through what he did, how power reacted, tactics that worked and those that didn’t. And he tells us where the new struggle for environmental justice is at: with the Debt For Climate campaign (https://debtforclimate.org/) It’s a fascinating story and a treasure trove for activists looking to shed light on secrets that power would rather keep hidden.
9/28/2022 • 53 minutes, 42 seconds
E11: Spying on us all — Government and Big Tech want even more surveillance powers
Last month, Greece’s intelligence service – under control of prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis – got caught tapping the phone of a prominent opposition leader. The scandal, known as the “Greek Watergate”, has generated an uproar. And it’s led to a wave of calls for Mitsotakis’ resignation in Greece, including from our party in the Greek parliament, MeRA25. Meanwhile, the EU has put forward a proposal that would effectively end secure online communications, under the guise of fighting child pornography. Though the cause is noble, their solution would allow Big Tech to monitor everything on your phone. Opponents argue that this threatens personal rights and freedom of speech. And false positives have already had disastrous consequences for people falsely “flagged”. Is sacrificing our privacy the only way to combat child pornography? What does the potential expansion of digital surveillance by governments and corporations mean for democracy in Europe and beyond? And what can we, as activist citizens, do about all this? Our panel, including Julijana Zita, Erik Edman and MeRA25 leader Yanis Varoufakis, debate.
9/21/2022 • 1 hour, 41 seconds
E10: Europe’s electricity market: the scam of the century?
Winter Is Coming…and Europe is facing a full-blown energy crisis. Power companies are hiking the price of electricity, making a tough winter even worse. And this time, it’s not just the poorest who are affected. The middle class is also feeling the squeeze. How much of this is due to how our politicians have set up Europe’s energy market, and how much to corporate greed? What other factors are at play? And how can we get out of this mess? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and Erik Edman, investigate.
9/14/2022 • 57 minutes, 50 seconds
E9: Greece and the EU drowned desperate people in the Mediterranean — and lied about it
Last Friday, a groundbreaking report exposed the lies of both the EU and the Greek government. It revealed a systematic campaign of violent and illegal expulsions of migrants trying to get to Europe. The perpetrator: the Greek Coast Guard and FRONTEX, the EU border control. The report, from independent research agency Forensic Architecture, shows that since March 2020 the Establishment pushed back 27,464 asylum seekers trying to cross the Mediterranean, leaving them to die in the sea. It documents over 1000 cases of illegal and brutal expulsions, including 26 occasions when authorities threw people directly into the water. Two of these people were *handcuffed*. The practice of pushbacks against desperate people is against every international commitment that Greece has made. The Greek government has consistently denied it, calling it ‘fake news’. This new report shows they’re lying — with the full knowledge of the EU. Why is Europe so intent on keeping desperate people from crossing its borders in the Mediterranean, while welcoming (as it should) refugees from Ukraine? And, most importantly, how do we stop our governments from committing these crimes and hold them accountable? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and Erik Edman, investigate.
7/22/2022 • 55 minutes, 26 seconds
E8: The cost of living crisis – what’s causing it, how bad will it get, and how do we fix it?
Prices are on the rise everywhere you look. Your electricity bill is going up. Food is more expensive. Rents are increasing. And your salary, of course, is not keeping up with it all. Inflation is at a level not seen in decades. But why? Is it the war in Ukraine, the pandemic, or something else? Is it going to get worse? And more importantly, how the hell do we fix this? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and Julijana Zita, discusses.
7/8/2022 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 21 seconds
E7: Julian Assange's extradition to the US
Last week, our fears came true: the UK decided to extradite Julian Assange to the US. He now faces up to 175 years behind bars in the US – after an unconscionable three years in Belmarsh prison in London. Why? Because he stood up to power, and revealed the American government’s crimes. We ask Renata Ávila, one of Julian’s lawyers, about his options, and what people can do. And we check in on our Milan event on reclaiming labour rights in Europe. Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Ivana Nenadovic and more, investigate.
6/22/2022 • 55 minutes, 18 seconds
Israel's illegal settlements and occupation of Palestine | interview with Senator Frances Black and Omar Shakir
Officially, the EU opposes annexation and considers illegal settlements in occupied territories an obstacle to international peace and stability. However, as with many other cases, what the EU states is far from its practices. Trade is still allowed between the European Single Market and these settlements, making their existence not only viable but economically profitable for the occupiers. As war is waged in Ukraine, and other tragically less popular conflicts continue to rage in Palestine, Yemen, Mali and across the world, we must take a stand against Europe’s legacy of hypocrisy. This is why DiEM25 has joined forces with Human Rights Watch, independent Irish Senator Frances Black, and many others, in supporting the Stop Trade With Settlements campaign and in calling Israel an apartheid state. In this DiEM TV special, DiEM25 Political Director Erik Edman talks with independent Irish Senator Frances Black and Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine Director at Human Rights Watch, about what it means to take a stand against illegal settlements, and — crucially — what people can do to help. Visit the campaign's website: https://stopsettlements.org
6/15/2022 • 45 minutes, 39 seconds
E6: Real allies and rainbow washing: Is Pride month still true to its original goals?
Pride month is when corporations take to social media to signal their progressive credentials. But are they genuinely interested in creating diverse, inclusive societies? Or are they marketing a form of rainbow capitalism? And what should we, as radical subversive activists, be doing to advance LGBT+ causes? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Ivana Nenadovic, Erik Edman and more, investigate.
6/8/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 18 seconds
E5: Does neutrality mean indifference? Europe’s place in a world of escalating tensions
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has set off a new arms race. Countries like Germany are announcing billions of euros in new military spending, and historically neutral nations like Sweden and Finland are now intent on joining NATO. And polls indicate that many of these moves have broad public support. But some believe in a different path for Europe, one that rejects the submission of the continent to both US and Russian interests: neutrality. On May 13, our own Yanis Varoufakis issued the Athens Declaration with Jeremy Corbyn and Ece Temelkuran, calling for such a path. Does neutrality mean indifference in the face of a war of aggression and all the suffering that follows? Can an independent Europe lead the way towards peace? Or is it just a pipedream in a world of nuclear weapons, colossal armies and escalating tensions? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and more, investigate.
5/25/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 36 seconds
E4: A manifesto to overthrow Europe’s oligarchy
May 9 is Europe Day. But there’s little reason to celebrate. War rages on our outskirts, while our governments evade democracy to provide weapons for it. The far-right is making gains. The cost of living is rising. Ecological disaster is around the corner. Our response? To reboot our movement. Our new manifesto, unveiled today, offers a simple but radical message: the EU will only be democratised once its oligarchy is overthrown. Today is a day to remember what Europe isn’t. And to remind ourselves of what it could be. — Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and more, take on these issues and answer your questions. Links: https://diem25.org/about-us/
5/11/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 59 seconds
Frontline 01: Facing prison for saving refugees | An interview with Miguel Duarte for Frontline
Frontline is a DiEM TV show/podcast about people who confront power, to figure out how they do it. The goal: to leave you with tips, tactics and inspiration for your own activist projects. In this episode, Mehran Khalili speaks to Miguel Duarte, the migrants rights activist who helped save 14,000 people from drowning in the Mediterranean, and faced 20 years in prison for it. The conversation is a great primer on the EU migration crisis, that sadly persists. But it also contains valuable ideas for your own activist work — whether in migrants’ rights or other areas.
4/28/2022 • 46 minutes, 14 seconds
E3: The Establishment and the far-right: two sides of the same coin?
In 2017 Macron won the French presidency, with 64% of the vote against the 34% of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen. The extreme centre celebrated his victory as a turning of the tide against the “populist revolution” that brought about Brexit and Trump. Fast forward to 2022, though, and history is repeating itself. Macron is facing off against Le Pen — but this time, Le Pen actually has a chance of winning. Instead of defeating the far right, Macron’s Establishment policies appear to have fed it. What should progressives do now: reluctantly support Macron once again? And what does the rise of nationalist, anti-immigration and EU-critical politicians across Europe tell us… about our own failures and how to fight back? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita, Erik Edman and more, take on these issues.
4/21/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 16 seconds
The Case of Julian Assange — Live on the Fly hosted by Randy Credico with Srecko Horvat, Roger Waters, Steve Donziger and Angela Richter
Randy Credico hosts Live on the Fly with Srecko Horvat, Steve Donziger, Roger Waters and Angela Richter (DiEM25's Advisory Panel members). In this special episode they discuss Julian Assange's case on the third anniversary of his imprisonment in Britain's Guantanamo: Belmarsh Prison.
4/11/2022 • 54 minutes, 36 seconds
E2: How to (radically) confront the economic collapse — with Yanis Varoufakis and more!
The tragic consequences of the war in Ukraine are already being felt by people everywhere. Killed or forced to leave their country, Ukrainians are resisting. Elsewhere, energy prices and the cost of living continue to skyrocket, turning the poor poorer and the rich richer. How can everyday people fight back with radical, subversive action? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita, Srecko Horvat and more, take on these issues and answer your questions.
4/6/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 19 seconds
A green future beyond capitalism — with Yanis Varoufakis, Ann Pettifor and Noam Chomsky
"There is no alternative", "it's the end of history" in the shadow of the 2008 crash, the environmental crisis and ongoing COVID19 pandemic, never has the hubris of these words been more striking. Nevertheless if we are in fact at the end of an era, what comes next? Join us in uncovering the exciting possibilities that the future can hold with Noam Chomsky, Ann Pettifor and Yanis Varoufakis.
3/31/2022 • 1 hour, 39 seconds
E1: Ukraine war — propaganda, xenophobia and censorship
Putin's invasion of Ukraine has led to international outcry from governments worldwide. Economic sanctions have been imposed and further measures are being considered. Meanwhile, in the West, a backlash is taking place against Russian culture, and people of Russian origin are facing discrimination. Can this reaction be justified by Putin's criminal invasion?
3/23/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 59 seconds
How to end the war in Ukraine: with Yanis Varoufakis, Volodymyr Ishchenko and more!
February 24 will be remembered as a dark day for Europe: Russia has attacked Ukraine. The geopolitical games between Putin and NATO have led to war, and Europe’s peoples are the great losers, as the EU has, once again, proven itself powerless and irrelevant. Given this situation, what needs to happen for this war to end? And what role should the EU play?