DiEM25: Recent Episodes
DiEM25
Recorded at the 6th DiEM25 Academy in Prague, this fishbowl-style discussion takes on one of the most difficult questions facing our movement: how can DiEM25 speak credibly about peace, security and anti-militarism in Eastern Europe?
Since the escalation of Russia's war on Ukraine, DiEM25's anti-NATO position has faced deep suspicion across former Eastern Bloc and non-EU European countries, where NATO and EU membership are often understood not as abstract geopolitical choices, but as protection against Russian domination. Participants from Poland, Romania, Hungary, North Macedonia, Germany, Greece, Belgium and beyond bring their own histories into the room: memories of state socialism, the trauma of post-1989 neoliberal shock therapy, inequality, national humiliation, propaganda, and the lived experience of being caught between empires.
The conversation moves beyond the false binary of NATO versus Russia. It asks how the Left can reject both Putin's imperialism and NATO's militarised order without sounding naïve, indifferent or detached from the fears of people in the region. Speakers discuss "campism", polarisation, the failures of Western left messaging, and the need to connect anti-war politics to everyday struggles: falling living standards, social cuts, privatisation and the enrichment of elites on all sides.
What emerges is a call for a third option: not submission to NATO, not accommodation with Russian power, but a democratic European security architecture based on diplomacy, treaties, dialogue, class solidarity and the shared interests of people across borders.
A necessary, uncomfortable and deeply honest conversation about what anti-war politics must become if it is to mean anything in Europe today.
This week the UK banned Hasan Piker from entering the country, claiming his presence was "not conducive to the public good" — but it's clearly over his stance on Gaza. He was due to speak at SXSW London and the Oxford Union. Two years ago, Germany did the same to Yanis Varoufakis, banned around a pro-Palestine conference in Berlin.
Hasan and Yanis compare notes: liberal governments silencing people over Gaza, a free-speech right that goes quiet when the speech is pro-Palestinian, and what the left does about it. When opposing a genocide gets you barred at the border, what's left of "free speech"?
Hosted by Mehran Khalili
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Yanis Varoufakis (site): https://yanisvaroufakis.eu Hasan Piker (Twitch): https://www.twitch.tv/hasanabi Mehran Khalili (newsletter on effective activism): https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
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We're back with another live AMA with Yanis Varoufakis.
The floor is yours. From geopolitics and economics to technology, culture, and beyond — your questions drive the conversation, and nothing is off limits.
Hosted by Mehran Khalili.
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS: Yanis Varoufakis (site): https://yanisvaroufakis.eu Mehran Khalili (newsletter on effective activism): https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
Germany pioneered Europe's crackdown on Palestine solidarity, and Britain is catching up fast — proscribing solidarity groups as terrorist organisations, criminalising slogans, and threatening to ban the marches altogether.
What the official story leaves out: the anti-genocide Jewish voices being written out of "the Jewish community." They have been silenced, expelled from parties, and accused of antisemitism for opposing a genocide.
The same establishment that pushed Corbyn out now decides who's allowed to speak as a Jew. In this livestream, Yanis Varoufakis is joined by James Schneider — co-founder of Momentum and Jeremy Corbyn's former Communications Director, currently serving as Communications Director for Progressive International — to take on what's happening in Britain, Labour's collapse, what's coming across Europe, and what resistance looks like now.
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS: Yanis Varoufakis (site): https://yanisvaroufakis.eu James Schneider: https://x.com/schneiderhome Mehran Khalili (newsletter on effective activism): https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe SUPPORT US Join: https://diem25.org/join Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
The Iran war isn't just a Middle East story: it's landing on Europe right now, in energy bills, in supply chains, in political calculations from Berlin to Rome. And the questions most people are asking aren't being answered clearly anywhere.
How exposed are we in Europe really, and why? Who gets hit hardest? What will this crisis do to European politics as elections approach — and how will people express their anger?
In this livestream, Wolfgang Munchau joins Yanis Varoufakis and Mehran Khalili for a live conversation that goes beyond the headlines: what's actually happening, what it means for ordinary people across Europe, and what — if anything — can still be done.
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Yanis Varoufakis (site): https://yanisvaroufakis.eu Wolfgang Munchau: https://x.com/EuroBriefing Mehran Khalili (newsletter on effective activism): https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
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Join: https://diem25.org/join Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
Your chance to put Yanis Varoufakis on the spot. Politics, economics, philosophy — or something completely unexpected. Nothing is off the table. Join us live as Yanis answers questions submitted by you. Hosted by Mehran Khalili.
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Yanis Varoufakis (site): https://yanisvaroufakis.eu Mehran Khalili (newsletter): https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
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Join: https://diem25.org/join Donate: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
As Europe rearms and conscription returns across the continent, what happens to those who refuse to fight?
In the first episode of a new Frontline series on conscientious objection, host Mehran Khalili speaks to Yurii Sheliazhenko — a Ukrainian legal scholar, pacifist, and winner of the Seán MacBride Peace Prize. He's been a declared conscientious objector since 1998.
Two weeks before this interview, Yurii was grabbed off the street in Kyiv, beaten, pepper-sprayed, and held for two days without a lawyer. He now faces trial for "justifying Russian aggression" — based on a document he wrote that condemns Russia's invasion.
His trial is on 13 May. With wars escalating and military spending exploding, Yurii's story is no longer just about Ukraine. It's about what happens to all of us when our governments tell us to fight.
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Yurii Sheliazhenko (his organisation): https://pacifism.org.ua/en/about Mehran Khalili (newsletter on effective activist tactics): https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
SHOW NOTES
Support Yurii:
- Sign the petition to drop charges against him: https://worldbeyondwar.org/yurii-sheliazhenko-abducted/
Get involved in the conscientious objection movement:
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War Resisters' International: https://wri-irg.org - European Bureau for Conscientious Objection: https://ebco-beoc.org - Connection e.V. (CO support across Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Europe): https://en.connection-ev.org Read more:
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Responsible Statecraft on Ukraine's forced conscription crisis: https://responsiblestatecraft.org/ukraine-recruitment-army/ - The Progressive on Ukraine's pacifists (interview with Yurii, February 2026): https://progressive.org/latest/ukraines-pacifists-in-a-country-at-war-toesland-20260225/ - Books recommended by Yurii:
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Erica Chenoweth & Maria J. Stephan, Why Civil Resistance Works - WRI's Handbook for Nonviolent Campaigns (free): https://wri-irg.org/en/story/handbook-nonviolent-campaigns SUPPORT DiEM25 Join → https://diem25.org/join Donate → https://diem25.org/donate
Opposition to the Iran war exists, in the polls, on the streets, across Europe. But it isn't translating into political pressure. Why not? And what would it take to change that? In this livestream, Yanis Varoufakis and Grace Blakeley examine the structural barriers keeping anti-war sentiment from becoming anti-war power, and what resistance could actually look like from here. Hosted by Mehran Khalili.
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Grace Blakeley (site): https://graceblakeley.substack.com/ Yanis Varoufakis (site): https://yanisvaroufakis.eu Mehran Khalili (newsletter): https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
SUPPORT US
Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
On 28 February the US and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran. The strikes killed the Supreme Leader and hit cities across the country. What most reports leave out is that the attacks came hours after Oman's foreign minister announced that Iran had accepted a diplomatic opening. Why did it happen then? Why has Europe stayed silent? Why did Spain break ranks? And what does the EU's €800 billion rearmament push have to do with all of this? This conversation looks at what is really driving the conflict — and what people can actually do about it.
Mehran Khalili speaks with Amir Kiyaei, policy director of DiEM25. Both have Iranian roots and family in Iran.
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS Amir Kiyaei → https://x.com/AmirKiyaei Mehran Khalili (newsletter) → https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
SUPPORT DiEM25
Join → https://diem25.org/join Donate → https://diem25.org/donate
As leaders, generals and diplomats gather in Munich this weekend to debate Europe's security and the future of the transatlantic alliance, the real question is not what is said on stage, but what direction Europe is being steered toward. In this livestream, Yanis Varoufakis and Jeffrey Sachs will examine the conclusions of the Munich Security Conference — and the wider headlines, reactions and signals surrounding it — separating rhetoric from reality. Is "strategic autonomy" taking shape, or are old dependencies being reinforced? What does Munich reveal about Ukraine, NATO and Europe's room to manoeuvre? An essential hour for anyone trying to understand where Europe is headed. Hosted by Mehran Khalili. Join us live and put your questions to the panel!
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS: Jeffrey Sachs (site): https://www.jeffsachs.org/ Yanis Varoufakis (site): https://yanisvaroufakis.eu Mehran Khalili (newsletter): https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe SUPPORT US
Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
After our livestream this week with Naomi Klein and Yanis Varoufakis, we sat down to pull out what actually matters in practice. Not a recap, but a tactical discussion: on how dissent is neutralised today — through platforms, finance, and institutions — and where we can realistically apply pressure. We talk about public contracts, platform dependency, crisis moments, and why some fights are winnable now while others require building power over time. If you're an organiser or activist, don't miss this! FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Mehran Khalili (newsletter): https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe Davide Castro (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dcpcastrooo/ SUPPORT US
Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
Naomi Klein joins Yanis Varoufakis for a live conversation on what public life on the left looks like today.
From recent deepfakes using Yanis' image for viral gain, to his latest police harassment over events from decades ago, the discussion opens onto larger questions Naomi explores in Doppelgänger (identity, imitation, credibility, and what "truth" means when noise travels faster than institutions — and institutions still hold power) before moving on to current affairs and lessons for the left from the tumultuous way 2026 has begun.
Hosted by Mehran Khalili.
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Naomi Klein (site): https://naomiklein.org/ Yanis Varoufakis (site): https://yanisvaroufakis.eu Mehran Khalili (newsletter): https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
In this livestream, Yanis Varoufakis and entrepreneur and commentator Arnaud Bertrand unpack what just happened in Venezuela, why it matters far beyond Latin America, and what people can do when "might makes right" is being sold as order.
We'll also look at Europe's response, the oil angle, and the wider shift towards more force, fewer constraints, and weaker rules. And what it means for the future.
Hosted by Mehran Khalili. Join us live and put your questions to Yanis and Arnaud!
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Yanis Varoufakis: (site): https://yanisvaroufakis.eu Arnaud Bertrand (X): https://x.com/RnaudBertrand Mehran Khalili: (newsletter): https://mehrankhalili.com/subscribe SUPPORT US
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As 2025 comes to a close, those in power are already rewriting what happened. We refuse to let that stand. In this year-end livestream, Yanis Varoufakis reviews the moments of 2025 that most clearly exposed how power really operates. We hand out a set of deliberately unofficial Shamelessness Awards.
Each category comes with a shortlist, the audience votes, and Yanis responds live: unpacking what these moments meant, why they took place, and what they tell us about where Europe and the world are heading.
Tune in, vote and tell us your pick for the most outrageous moments of the year! Hosted by Mehran Khalili.
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Yanis: @yanisvaroufakis — https://www.yanisvaroufakis.eu Mehran: @mkhalili — https://www.mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
SUPPORT US
Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
In this livestream, Yanis Varoufakis and Ukrainian sociologist Volodymyr Ishchenko explore how EU leaders are undermining Ukraine to justify their plans to re-arm Europe. If EU leaders won't send troops and won't negotiate, whom does their "solidarity" really serve? And why are some in Brussels worried that peace itself would threaten their new militarisation agenda?
Join us for this crucial conversation on the future of Ukraine, the geopolitics of the Trump plan, and what a real path to peace would require. Hosted by Mehran Khalili.
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Yanis: @yanisvaroufakis — https://www.yanisvaroufakis.eu Volodymyr: @Volod_Ishchenko — https://x.com/Volod_Ishchenko Mehran: @mkhalili — https://www.mehrankhalili.com/subscribe Volodymyr's latest book: https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/3216-towards-the-abyss SUPPORT US
Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
In this episode, artist Manal Mahamid reflects on growing up in a rural Palestinian village where even the landscape was weaponised to erase identity. She speaks about creating art from the land itself, soil, stones, plants, and how her work exposes the colonial logic behind forests, monuments, and "reclaimed" green spaces. Mahamid's practice transforms memory, displacement, and resistance into a visual language rooted in place.
ALL EYES ON PALESTINE EXHIBITION The All Eyes on Palestine Exhibition raises awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Through the work of Palestinian artists, it creates a space for expression and solidarity, where art becomes a form of resistance. It showcases a generation of artists whose work preserves the cultural identity of the land and its people. Their art bears witness to Palestinian identity shaped by ongoing trauma and struggle, compelling us to keep our eyes on Palestine. Curated by Elettra Stamboulis with co-curators Danae Stratou and Doris Hakim, the exhibition is presented in three sections: Land, Archaeologies of Memory, and Staying, Returning, Departing.
MORE INFO All Eyes on Palestine will be launched in December 2025 in Athens, and later travel across Europe. Your donation will help us cover the production and transportation costs of the exhibition.
Please donate today: https://internal.diem25.org/en/donations/to/eyes-palestine mέta - Centre for Post Capitalist Civilisation: https://metacpc.org/en/
In this important interview, Palestinian artist Monther Jawabreh reflects on growing up in a refugee camp and discovering art as a way to fight for his people's story. He speaks about collective memory, political commitment, and why concrete has become his material of resistance. Jawabreh's work transforms loss into testimony, challenging erasure through form, memory and struggle.
ALL EYES ON PALESTINE EXHIBITION The All Eyes on Palestine Exhibition raises awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Through the work of Palestinian artists, it creates a space for expression and solidarity, where art becomes a form of resistance. It showcases a generation of artists whose work preserves the cultural identity of the land and its people. Their art bears witness to Palestinian identity shaped by ongoing trauma and struggle, compelling us to keep our eyes on Palestine. Curated by Elettra Stamboulis with co-curators Danae Stratou and Doris Hakim, the exhibition is presented in three sections: Land, Archaeologies of Memory, and Staying, Returning, Departing.
MORE INFO All Eyes on Palestine will be launched in December 2025 in Athens, and later travel across Europe. Your donation will help us cover the production and transportation costs of the exhibition.
Please donate today: https://internal.diem25.org/en/donations/to/eyes-palestine mέta - Centre for Post Capitalist Civilisation: https://metacpc.org/en/
In this episode, artist Doris Hakim reflects on growing up in Nazareth, navigating a fragmented identity, and discovering her Palestinian self only after leaving home. She speaks about memory, political erasure, and the everyday racism that shaped her iconic work 'You Don't Look Arab'. Hakim's story exposes how borders—geographical, cultural, and psychological—leave traces that art can finally name.
ALL EYES ON PALESTINE EXHIBITION
The All Eyes on Palestine Exhibition raises awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Through the work of Palestinian artists, it creates a space for expression and solidarity, where art becomes a form of resistance. It showcases a generation of artists whose work preserves the cultural identity of the land and its people. Their art bears witness to Palestinian identity shaped by ongoing trauma and struggle, compelling us to keep our eyes on Palestine. Curated by Elettra Stamboulis with co-curators Danae Stratou and Doris Hakim, the exhibition is presented in three sections: Land, Archaeologies of Memory, and Staying, Returning, Departing.
MORE INFO
All Eyes on Palestine will be launched in December 2025 in Athens, and later travel across Europe. Your donation will help us cover the production and transportation costs of the exhibition.
Please donate today: https://internal.diem25.org/en/donations/to/eyes-palestine mέta - Centre for Post Capitalist Civilisation: https://metacpc.org/en/
In this episode, Palestinian artist Rana Bishara reflects on how art became a lifeline—preserving memory, dignity and identity in the face of erasure. Speaking from Galilee, she shares her story of growing up on the Lebanese border, surviving ongoing trauma, and transforming resistance into creative practice. Through performance, public art, and memory-work, Bishara shows how art becomes both testimony and defiance under occupation. ALL EYES ON PALESTINE EHXIBITION
All Eyes on Palestine Exhibition raises awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Through the work of Palestinian artists, it creates a space for expression and solidarity, where art becomes a form of resistance. It showcases a generation of artists whose work preserves the cultural identity of the land and its people. Their art bears witness to Palestinian identity shaped by ongoing trauma and struggle, compelling us to keep our eyes on Palestine. Curated by Elettra Stamboulis with co-curators Danae Stratou and Doris Hakim, the exhibition is presented in three sections: Land, Archaeologies of Memory, and Staying, Returning, Departing.
MORE INFO All Eyes on Palestine will be launched in December 2025 in Athens, and later travel across Europe. Your donation will help us cover the production and transportation costs of the exhibition.
Please donate today: https://internal.diem25.org/en/donations/to/eyes-palestine mέta - Centre for Post Capitalist Civilisation: https://metacpc.org/en/
In this conversation, Shadi Alzaqzouq reflects on growing up without a homeland, discovering art as a weapon of self-definition, and challenging the stereotypes imposed on him as a Palestinian. His work blends rebellion, identity, and freedom to confront a world that keeps pushing him outside its walls.
ALL EYES ON PALESTINE EXHIBITION
The All Eyes on Palestine Exhibition raises awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Through the work of Palestinian artists, it creates a space for expression and solidarity, where art becomes a form of resistance. It showcases a generation of artists whose work preserves the cultural identity of the land and its people. Their art bears witness to Palestinian identity shaped by ongoing trauma and struggle, compelling us to keep our eyes on Palestine. Curated by Elettra Stamboulis with co-curators Danae Stratou and Doris Hakim, the exhibition is presented in three sections: Land, Archaeologies of Memory, and Staying, Returning, Departing. MORE INFO
All Eyes on Palestine will be launched in December 2025 in Athens, and later travel across Europe. Your donation will help us cover the production and transportation costs of the exhibition.
Please donate today: https://internal.diem25.org/en/donations/to/eyes-palestine mέta - Centre for Post Capitalist Civilisation: https://metacpc.org/en/
In this important dialogue, Mahmoud Alhaj discusses life in Gaza, the experience of displacement, and the urgency of documenting violence from the victim's perspective. He reveals how he works with Israeli military footage to expose what is hidden behind the aesthetics of "efficiency" and power. The interview also highlights the solidarity within the Palestinian artistic community and the role of art as memory, critique, and resistance during genocide.
ALL EYES ON PALESTINE EXHIBITION
The All Eyes on Palestine Exhibition raises awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Through the work of Palestinian artists, it creates a space for expression and solidarity, where art becomes a form of resistance. It showcases a generation of artists whose work preserves the cultural identity of the land and its people. Their art bears witness to Palestinian identity shaped by ongoing trauma and struggle, compelling us to keep our eyes on Palestine. Curated by Elettra Stamboulis with co-curators Danae Stratou and Doris Hakim, the exhibition is presented in three sections: Land, Archaeologies of Memory, and Staying, Returning, Departing.
MORE INFO All Eyes on Palestine will be launched in December 2025 in Athens, and later travel across Europe. Your donation will help us cover the production and transportation costs of the exhibition.
Please donate today: https://internal.diem25.org/en/donations/to/eyes-palestine mέta - Centre for Post Capitalist Civilisation: https://metacpc.org/en/
What does Zohran Mamdani's breakthrough victory in New York signal for the Left — not only in the United States but across a world trapped between oligarchy, neoliberal decay, neofascist surges and rising authoritarianism?
Join Yanis Varoufakis and Richard D. Wolff as they unpack the political earthquake shaking America's political establishment, and what it means for progressives worlwide. Hosted by Mehran Khalili.
SUPPORT US
- Join: https://diem25.org/join
- Donate: https://diem25.org/donate
- Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS:
Yanis: @yanisvaroufakis — https://www.yanisvaroufakis.eu Richard: @profwolff — https://x.com/profwolff Mehran: @mkhalili — https://www.mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
Seized in international waters and held in Israel's desert prison, David Adler joins Yanis Varoufakis to recount the flotilla and examine Big Tech's role in Gaza — what it reveals about corporate power and what may be coming next. Hosted by Mehran Khalili. Tune in and put your questions to David and Yanis!
SUPPORT US
- Join: https://diem25.org/join
- Donate: https://diem25.org/donate
- Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Yanis: @yanisvaroufakis — https://www.yanisvaroufakis.eu David: @davidrkadler — https://x.com/davidrkadler Mehran: @mkhalili — https://www.mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
In this discussion recorded in Athens, Grace Blakeley and Yanis Varoufakis expose how our so-called democracies have been captured by elites. From Gaza to the climate crisis to the collapse of liberal politics, they explore why even "progressive" leaders are absorbed by the system they enter, how neoliberalism has hollowed out collective power, and why only a bottom-up, transnational movement can reclaim democracy for the many.
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An interview with Melanie Schweizer, legal representative for the Global Sumud Flotilla, about the state of the flotillas — who's out, who's missing, how people were treated — and the practical next steps for activists. Hosted by Mehran Khalili, and recorded October 9, 2025.
SUPPORT US
- Join: https://diem25.org/join
- Donate: https://diem25.org/donate
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FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS:
Melanie: https://x.com/schweizermel Mehran: @mkhalili - https://www.mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
LINKS MENTIONED:
- Global Sumud Flotilla: www.globalsumudflotilla.org
- This week's livestream: Gaza, 2 Years On with Katie Halper and Yanis Varoufakis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNz2Z0Sxz90
- The German Playbook for Silencing Dissent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJqpNgZ8UO8
Two years since October 7, Katie Halper (@TheKatieHalperShow) and Yanis Varoufakis join host Mehran Khalili to break down Israel's genocide in Gaza, the latest on the flotilla, Israel's influencer PR push, and the "peace plan". What can we do?
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Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS:
Yanis: @yanisvaroufakis — https://www.yanisvaroufakis.eu Katie @@kthalps — https://x.com/kthalps Mehran: @mkhalili — https://www.mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
Yanis Varoufakis sits down with Mehran Khalili to talk Gaza, NATO versus Russia, and the rise of the far right in Europe. What can we do? Bring your questions!
SUPPORT US
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FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
Yanis: @yanisvaroufakis — https://www.yanisvaroufakis.eu Mehran: @mkhalili — https://www.mehrankhalili.com/subscribe
Germany is cracking down on pro-Palestine activism — and other European governments are watching closely. In this video, we take you inside Germany’s growing playbook for silencing dissent: from police brutality on the streets of Berlin to bans, cancellations, and even EU sanctions against activists and journalists.
Through three powerful firsthand stories — Melanie, a civil servant fired for speaking out, Iris, a Jewish peace activist targeted for protesting, and Hüseyin, a journalist turned into a “non-person” by EU sanctions — we expose how Germany’s repression works, why it matters beyond Palestine, and how this template of control is spreading across Europe.
This isn’t just about Palestine. The same tools used to crush Palestine solidarity today can — and will — be used tomorrow against climate activists, unions, journalists, and anyone who dares to speak out.
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Ten years after Greece’s thunderous “NO” to austerity, Yanis Varoufakis sits down with film-maker Raoul Martinez and host Mehran Khalili to revisit that historic showdown with Europe’s political establishment. We bust the official myths, look at lessons learned, and spell out what activists across Europe must do next.
If you missed the story: Greece elected the anti-austerity Syriza party in early 2015, with Yanis Varoufakis as finance minister. After months of bruising talks with the European Central Bank, IMF and European Commission, the government put the creditors’ terms to a 5 July referendum. Sixty two percent voted NO — but days later, Athens agreed to a third “bailout”, Yanis resigned, and Greece was locked into another cycle of cuts that to this day, it still hasn’t escaped.
SPECIAL OFFER: Use code Storm25 to get 20% off the documentary we discuss in this video, In the Eye of the Storm! https://vimeo.com/ondemand/eyeofthestormenglish
In this talk, we unpack the new six-part series In the Eye of the Storm – from secret Eurogroup recordings to the street-level activist energy in Athens – and draw fresh lessons on leverage, media war, plan B economics and movement discipline. Whether you marched in 2015 or are gearing up for the next fight, this conversation will arm you with the story behind the headlines and the tactics to win round two.
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Israel’s genocide in Gaza grinds on, while Israeli officials now signal they are “fully ready” to strike Iran—raising the risk of a regional firestorm. But within the EU, dissent is being crushed. In an unprecedented case, the EU has sanctioned one of its own citizens for being a journalist. http://red.media founder Hüseyin Doğru was targeted on behalf of Germany—for exposing Germany’s complicity in the genocide in Palestine. No trial. No hearing. An extrajudicial punishment.
The EU claims he “systematically spread false information on politically controversial subjects with the intent of creating ethnic, political and religious discord amongst a predominantly German audience.” In reality, his reporting focused on social protests across Germany and Europe—something that now appears to go too far for the so-called democratic powers in Berlin and Brussels. The listing followed http://red.media’s exclusive coverage of Germany’s brutal crackdown on pro-Palestinian students—and it forced the outlet to shut down.
What does it mean when reporting on Gaza is reframed as extremism, and journalism itself becomes a sanctionable offense? Hüseyin Doğru joins Yanis Varoufakis to dissect Europe’s widening assault on free speech, Germany’s criminalisation of Palestine solidarity, and how ordinary citizens can push back—before they too are silenced. Hosted by Mehran Khalili. Tune in live, bring your questions, and share widely—while you still can.
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Israel is escalating its genocide in Gaza. Entire families are being wiped out, famine is spreading, and airstrikes are targeting shelters and schools.
In the West Bank, killings and settler violence are surging as Israel tightens its grip on the territory. Yet despite these atrocities, international media coverage has diminished. While a handful of European governments have begun to question their complicity, meaningful action is still missing.
In this livestream, Palestinian writer and organiser Mohammed El-Kurd joins Yanis Varoufakis to cut through the noise: What’s really happening on the ground? Why has the West been so slow, or unwilling, to act? And what can we, as citizens, do about it? Hosted by Mehran Khalili.
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Jeffrey Sachs and Yanis Varoufakis worked together a decade ago to prevent Europe from harming itself by crushing Greece. They failed. Since then, Europe’s self-harming policies exacerbated by a lethal dependence on, and servility to, the US have had nasty repercussions for Ukraine, Palestine as well as Europe’s relations with China.
Now that Trump is back, with Europe’s Green Deal already abandoned, the world is facing the perfect storm: intense trade (and thus class) wars, a mounting Cold War with China, an ultra-hot war in Ukraine, a heart-wrenching genocide in Palestine, and an accelerating climate emergency.
In this episode, Jeffrey Sachs and Yanis Varoufakis get back together again to reminisce, to take stock of a world spinning out of control and, crucially, to propose tangible solutions that we must campaign for today.
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Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far right and a top contender for the presidency, has just been banned from running after a corruption conviction. Is this a legitimate ruling — or lawfare: the weaponisation of the legal system to block political opponents?
Join Yanis Varoufakis, award-winning journalist Glenn Greenwald, and Jacobin’s Europe editor David Broder for a live discussion hosted by Mehran Khalili.
We’ll break down the Le Pen ruling, look at how courts are used to sideline opposition figures in Europe and beyond, and ask: Does barring candidates actually strengthen the far right? Is lawfare becoming the establishment’s go-to tool to silence dissent? And if we don’t challenge it now, what comes next?
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Yanis Varoufakis recently called Europe’s rearmament a catastrophe in the making — and laid out a bold peace plan for Ukraine. Now, he’s taking your questions head-on: about Ukraine, the EU’s failed war strategy, and what a real path to peace and sovereignty could look like. Whether you agree or not, this is the debate Europe refuses to have. Hosted by Mehran Khalili.
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Welcome to Counter Stream—DiEM25’s unfiltered monthly dive into the stories shaping our world that mainstream media ignores or distorts. In this powerful new episode, Julijana Zita is joined by Kinza Saleem for a wide-ranging conversation that connects the dots between Trump’s authoritarian circus, global resource grabs, and the crumbling illusions of European identity.
From Trump’s self-coronation and war on democracy to the brutal deportations and executive orders that target the most vulnerable, we examine how psychological warfare and spectacle are being used to desensitise and divide. We look at the US-Russia deal-making over Ukraine exposing the new phase of imperialism: economic colonisation wrapped in “reconstruction.” Meanwhile, Congo burns in silence.
China rises with vision and strategy. Europe cries at its own irrelevance. And the far right surges—while the left, once again, stands to pick up the pieces. This is not business as usual. This is Counter Stream.
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DeepSeek has upended the AI industry with open-source models that rival OpenAI’s GPT-4, shaking the global tech and financial order. But its rise also raises urgent questions about security, economic power, and AI’s future. In this live discussion, Yanis Varoufakis and Malaysia-based entrepreneur and commentator Arnaud Bertrand will explore the fallout, hosted by Mehran Khalili.
How does DeepSeek’s model challenge monopolistic “cloud capital” like Amazon’s Alexa? Does it prove that cutting-edge AI no longer requires vast computational resources? And with its data stored on Chinese servers, is AI becoming the new frontline in U.S.-China tensions? Beyond the tech, this is a battle over power—financial, political, and military. What happens next? Join us live, be part of the conversation, and send in your questions!
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As Donald Trump assumes the presidency, the world is bracing for shifts in international relations and policy. From Israel’s genocide in Gaza to the war in Ukraine, the US’ strategic rivalry with China, and the challenges facing Europe, Trump’s administration is poised to leave a significant mark.
What should we expect in the coming months on these critical issues? How might Trump’s foreign policy reshape Europe and its role in the world? Join Yanis Varoufakis and special guest Katie Halper—American journalist, political commentator, and host of The Katie Halper Show—for a live discussion hosted by Mehran Khalili. Join us and share your questions and comments in real-time!
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Elon Musk’s growing role in politics represents a troubling evolution in how wealthy elites shape public discourse and policy. From his control of X (formerly Twitter) to his involvement in U.S. elections alongside Donald Trump, to his recent support for anti-migrant and nationalist parties in Europe (including the AfD and Tommy Robinson), Musk’s actions highlight the alarming intersection of tech and political power.
How has the influence of billionaires evolved to dominate public discourse so openly? What does this growing consolidation of power mean for democracy? And how we can people push back against it? Join Yanis Varoufakis and special guest Cory Doctorow—science fiction author, activist, and journalist—for a live discussion hosted by Mehran Khalili. Be part of the conversation and share your questions in real time!
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What happens when you speak up for Gaza in Germany? Melanie Schweizer — lawyer, political candidate with MERA25 Germany, and Ministry of Labour adviser — joins Mehran Khalili to expose how BILD, Germany’s biggest tabloid, targeted her for speaking out against Israel’s genocide. In this riveting interview, she reveals the toll of standing up for Palestine, the media’s role in silencing dissent, and why she refuses to back down.
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2024 has been a year of upheaval and awakening, marked by climate disasters, rising inequality, and a geopolitical landscape in turmoil. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to the genocide in Palestine and widespread protests across Europe, it's been a tough year for many. Meanwhile, political paralysis and a sense that decisions about our future are being made behind closed doors have left citizens feeling powerless. In this live conversation, Yanis Varoufakis and Srećko Horvat, together with host Mehran Khalili, will reflect on the defining moments of 2024, and look ahead to 2025. And we'll be asking: How can we build a Europe that works for everyone, not just the powerful few? And how can we ensure that 2025 becomes a turning point for democracy, peace, and justice everywhere?
In this discussion, Tiare Gatti Mora interviews Craig Gent, writer, editor, and researcher, and a director at Novara Media. They dive into the urgent themes of Gent’s latest book, Cyberboss — examining the rise of algorithmic management, the growing insecurity of workers, and the shifting role of labour unions in the face of technological control.
Together, they explore how digital systems are undermining worker autonomy and fueling dissatisfaction, while navigating the complex politics within unions today. This is a must-watch for anyone concerned with the future of work and the fight for labour rights in the digital age.
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America is going to the polls in a divisive election which will shape not only its only policies, but also global affairs. Kamala Harris aims to uphold the course of the current administration, while Donald Trump eyes a return that could bring isolationism and a tougher stance on alliances. European leaders are watching closely, as the outcome will shape NATO, trade, and transatlantic security. What are the implications of this election for Europe, the Middle East crisis, and beyond? How might Harris or Trump’s foreign policy reshape global events? And what could their campaigns reveal about America’s future—and the prospects for progressive causes worldwide? Join Yanis Varoufakis, Rania Khalek (Lebanese-American writer, political activist and journalist at Breakthrough News) and our host Mehran Khalili for this important discussion on the future of US politics. Tune in live and share your questions!
EU governments are outdoing each other in introducing tough anti-immigration measures, embracing policies that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Poland is pushing to suspend the right to asylum, Germany has reinstated border controls, and Italy has opened two centres to process asylum seekers outside its borders. Now, EU leaders are considering ramping up deportations, aiming to send desperate people back to their countries of origin. All these measures point in the same direction: a Fortress Europe. Meanwhile, parties pushing for stricter immigration controls are gaining power in several EU countries and making significant strides in elections. And many citizens in host countries, feeling neglected by their governments and suffering from stagnant economic conditions, are increasingly hostile to migrants, seeing them as a burden on public resources and a threat to job security. What’s really driving this new clampdown on migration? What does it mean for the future of Europe’s approach to migration and human rights? And in this current political climate, what should our response be? Join Yanis Varoufakis, Miguel Duarte, Amir Kiyaei, Federico Dolce and Marie-Olivia Badarne as discuss Europe's migration policies and what it means for Europe. Tune in live and share your questions!
As we mark the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, the Israeli government has brought the Middle East to the brink of war. Backed by the West, Israel’s genocide in Gaza continues, and the conflict has expanded to fronts like Lebanon. Israeli actions in Iran and Lebanon have escalated tensions, drawing in Tehran. The humanitarian toll is immense, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed and millions displaced. Yet, despite widespread protests, particularly in Europe, activism has not stopped the war or changed policy. Israel continues with the full support of the US, Germany, and other Western governments. How did we get here? What could a wider war mean for the region and beyond? How should we assess activist strategies moving forward? Join Yanis Varoufakis, Wieland Hoban (Jewish Voice for a Just Peace), Lucas Febraro (BDS), activist and academic Nour Hariri, and more as we discuss the conflict, activism, and the path ahead. Tune in live and share your questions!
In this discussion, Mehran Khalili and political scientist Konstantina Zoehrer dive into the recent far-right electoral success in Austria. They examine the key takeaways for the Left and explore what progressive movements must understand and adapt to in order to counter the rise of the far-right. Join us for a critical conversation on the challenges ahead and how the Left can regroup in the face of these troubling developments.
Once seen as a pillar of stability in Europe, Germany is unravelling. Its economy is in decline, and the far-right AfD recently won a state election, marking a disturbing shift in the political landscape. The country has reintroduced border controls, violating a core EU principle. And its legacy parties continue to slide into authoritarianism, suppressing pro-Palestinian voices at home while supporting Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, a housing crisis and soaring rents are straining German citizens, even as the government spends billions to support the Ukraine war and its foreign policy agenda. How did Germany get here? What does it mean for Europe? And how do we push back? Our panel — as well as a few new members of the team — will be weighing in, taking your questions and more. Join us!
In a quiet vote last Tuesday, EU lawmakers brought in new rules for public spending… which could have a profound effect on millions in Europe. The supposed goal of this overhaul was to make the rules clearer and more investment-friendly, with supporters calling them a necessary step towards economic stability. But critics say the change will force big budget cuts in many EU member states, meaning less money for vital social services and climate action. And, they fear, it will lead Europe back to the dark days of austerity in the 2010s… that decimated living standards for a generation. DiEM25 is running in the European Elections this June, with a very different idea of how EU economic policy should look. In this live discussion, join our own Yanis Varoufakis with our lead candidates and others, to unpack this vital topic… and have your say!
The long repression of pro-Palestinian voices in Germany reached a peak last Friday. German police shut down the Palestine Congress, a vital event to unite activists around a ceasefire for Gaza. They detained participants, including Jewish activists; they deported a Palestinian speaker. And then they banned our own Yanis Varoufakis, not only from making political speeches in Germany, but also from doing so over Zoom (!). These authoritarian moves make it clear: Germany is intent on silencing anyone who speaks out against its complicity in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. So for our livestream this week, Yanis Varoufakis and colleagues who attended the Palestine Congress will be dissecting this brazen act of state repression against Palestinian solidarity. What lessons can we draw? How has the reaction been? And what could all this mean for the future of free speech and pro-Palestine activism in Germany, and around the world?
As Israel’s genocide in Gaza rages on, Germany is leading efforts to silence criticism of Israel's actions. The German government and its institutions have cancelled a stream of cultural events that show solidarity with Palestine, smearing prominent artists and intellectuals – many of them Jewish – as anti-semitic. They’ve intimidated activists and searched their homes. They’ve even made cultural grants – and in the case of one German state, citizenship – contingent on support for Israel. And now, German politicians are trying to ban the Palestine Congress, a vital event planned for the 12-14 April in Berlin, to unite activists for a ceasefire in Gaza. How successful have these clampdowns been in hindering activism for Palestine? What are the underlying factors propelling the authoritarian stance of German politicians, and how does this relate to the country’s Nazi history? And as we move into the European elections, what might this repression mean for Germany, for other countries in Europe, and for the plight of the Palestinian people? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, and Karin De Rigo and Lucas Febraro from Berlin, investigate.
The proxy war in Ukraine between NATO and Russia has come into sharp focus in recent weeks. French President Macron refused to rule out sending troops to Ukraine, provoking a wide backlash. The German leader, Scholz, claimed that British soldiers are already fighting on the battlefield. Putin warned of nuclear war if NATO troops were sent to Ukraine; his leading critic, Navalny, died in a Russian jail. And a report in The New York Times revealed the CIA's decade-long operation of spy bases along Russia’s border. As the US government is poised to deliver its largest military ‘aid’ package yet to support the Ukrainian war effort, and with European nations ramping up their assistance against the backdrop of an impending European election, the implications for Europe and the world loom large. What do these latest developments mean? Is a direct confrontation between nuclear powers unavoidable, or does the possibility for a negotiated peace still exist? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and Federico Dolce, investigates.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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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
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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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
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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/
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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futuregen, Lessons from a Small Country by Jane Davidson
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.
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?
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
0:00 [Introduction] Mehran Khalili 2:53 Yanis Varoufakis 23:11 Erik Edman 33:52 Questions and comments from the chat 34:28 Julijana Zita 39:06 Amir Kiyaei 43:55 Yanis Varoufakis 48:12 Questions and comments from the chat 48:23 Ivana Nenadovic 52:18 Johannes Fehr 56:46 Questions and comments from the chat 57:12 Dusan Pajovic 58:49 Yanis Varoufakis 1:02:33 Julijana Zita 1:05:10 [Conclusion] Mehran Khalili
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.
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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/
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!
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/
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, investigates. Join us live and send us your comments and questions!
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.
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. Watch live and send us your questions and comments!
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
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.
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.
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/
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. Thoughts, feedback, or a guest you’d like to see? Write in the comments or mail comms@diem25.org :)
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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?
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?