Varoufakis Pushes Back After Uproar Over His Drug Use Comments
Yanis Varoufakis has come under intense scrutiny after openly discussing past ecstasy use during a podcast appearance. A preliminary investigation was ordered by the Athens Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether his remarks could constitute offenses such as encouraging or promoting drug use. Police sent the video of his interview to prosecutors shortly after the controversy erupted.
The former finance minister explained during the podcast that he had taken ecstasy once in the late 1980s, describing the experience frankly while also noting the severe migraine that followed. His comments included a lighthearted reference to his preference for cannabis, which he claimed he can no longer find.
Varoufakis reacted forcefully on social media even before news of the investigation surfaced. He argued that in a country struggling with widespread drug trafficking and powerful cartels, he was being unfairly targeted for giving honest answers to young listeners. He framed the backlash as part of what he called a broader culture of hypocrisy within the political establishment.
His post accused specific political figures of fueling public outrage and suggested that state policies contribute to the persistence of drug dependency. He insisted that young people appreciated his candid approach and the MeRA25 stance on tackling addiction through systemic reform rather than punitive measures.
Hypocrisy the opium with which political elites pacify society
His message criticized what he described as an environment in which drug dealers operate with far greater ease than citizens seeking truthful public dialogue. He portrayed the reaction to his statements as an attempt to demonize him for resisting the norms that he believes protect entrenched interests.
MeRA25 followed with a sharply worded announcement condemning the investigation. The party framed the inquiry as a step backward reminiscent of the 1950s and accused authorities of targeting Varoufakis instead of confronting drug cartels, systemic failures, and political negligence. Their statement argued that focusing on his admission of past drug use diverts attention from major scandals and serious shortcomings in justice and governance.
The party reiterated its commitment to a policy of decriminalization and state regulation of substances, insisting that this approach is the most effective way to curb drug trafficking. Their message emphasized that they would continue speaking openly about drug policy despite pressure, criticism, or attempts at intimidation.
