Explore every episode of the podcast DiEM25
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| E50: Elon Musk’s Move Into Politics: Yanis Varoufakis and Cory Doctorow on Fighting Billionaire Control | 08 Jan 2025 | 01:14:24 | |
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! FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
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| Germany’s biggest tabloid tried to silence her for criticising Israel—but it backfired spectacularly | 21 Dec 2024 | 01:03:38 | |
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. FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
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| E43: BANNED from Germany for speaking out for Palestine — with Yanis Varoufakis | 17 Apr 2024 | 01:01:07 | |
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? SUPPORT US
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| E42: What the hell is happening in Germany? The brutal attack on pro-Palestinian voices | 03 Apr 2024 | 01:02:44 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E41: Russia vs NATO — is nuclear war on the horizon? | 20 Mar 2024 | 01:02:55 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E40: The war on truth – Julian Assange, media and global discourse | 21 Feb 2024 | 00:58:27 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E39: Farming fury — what’s really driving EU protests? | 08 Feb 2024 | 01:05:50 | |
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! SUPPORT US
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| Lucas Febraro interviews Udi Raz — Jewish guide FIRED from Berlin's Jewish Museum for supporting Palestine | 31 Jan 2024 | 00:50:39 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E38: Israel in court — game changer or sideshow? | 17 Jan 2024 | 00:50:04 | |
A new front has opened on Israel-Palestine: South Africa confronted Israel with accusations of genocide at the UN’s top court. The submission also called on the court to order the Jewish state to stop its military operations against Palestinians, which have killed more than 23,350 civilians since October 7. The case has already exposed divisions in Europe, with Germany’s unwavering support for Israel standing in stark contrast to statements from officials in Spain, Ireland and Belgium. Could this court case really change the reality for the people of Gaza, or is it just a sideshow as Israel continues its murderous campaign? And what might its outcome mean for Israel’s credibility, for European governments, and for us all? Join Yanis Varoufakis and our team of activists and thinkers as we dive into this topic. Tune in live and share your thoughts and questions with us! SUPPORT US
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| The information war on Israel-Palestine: a conversation with Lucas Febraro and Mehran Khalili | 13 Jan 2024 | 00:39:17 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E37: Holiday Special | 20 Dec 2023 | 00:58:57 | |
It’s that time of year! So in this holiday livestream, we’re switching things up a bit. Join us as we look back on the pivotal moments of 2023. We’ll be predicting what lies ahead, and discussing the implications for anti-establishment activism. It’s not all serious though. We’ll also be sharing our personal holiday season recommendations – and we'd love to hear yours too. Drop your thoughts in the chat and we’ll discuss them live. So pour yourself a favorite beverage and spend some time with Yanis Varoufakis, Karin De Rigo, Lucas Febraro, and the rest of our team as we wind down the old and welcome the new. SUPPORT US
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| E36: COP28 — A new path or old mistakes? | 07 Dec 2023 | 01:02:05 | |
As the dust settles on COP28, it's time to reflect: did this conference mark a turning point in the global fight against climate change, or was it another chapter in a long story of missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises? In a world where the effects of climate change are disproportionately borne by those least responsible, Europe's role extends beyond its borders, with debates raging over Europe's role and responsibilities in the climate crisis. With new commitments made and old ones scrutinised, we ask the question: Can Europe lead the way towards a sustainable future with climate justice? And, if so, how? Join Yanis Varoufakis and our team of activists and thinkers as we dissect the outcomes of COP28. Tune in live and share your thoughts and questions with us! SUPPORT US
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| E49: Is 2025 Europe’s Last Chance? Yanis Varoufakis and Srećko Horvat on Palestine, Syria and more! | 12 Dec 2024 | 01:19:29 | |
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? | |||
| The awful truth behind Dutch election results — Mehran Khalili interviews Lucille Cornelius | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:21:44 | |
In this interview, recorded on November 22, Mehran Khalili talks with Lucille Cornelius, DiEM25 member and activist living in Amsterdam, Netherlands, about the real meaning behind the Dutch election results, rising far-right and what we can do to tackle this political trend across Europe. SUPPORT US
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| E35: The new global disorder? | 22 Nov 2023 | 00:57:16 | |
Several latent conflicts have resurfaced. In Gaza, Israel’s relentless bombardment of innocent civilians in Palestine is entering its seventh week. In Ukraine, the fight against Russia is slipping towards a violent, bloody stalemate. These conflicts are testing traditional geopolitical alliances, and bringing about new ones. Meanwhile, this century has seen major shifts in world power. The US is no longer dominant, while China, Russia, and India have grown stronger and more influential. With these power shifts and global instability, how can we work towards peace? And what role should Europe play in this new global order? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and Amir Kiyaei, will be tackling these issues and more. Join us and put your questions to them live! SUPPORT US
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| E34: Free Speech or Hate Speech? Gaza, Antisemitism and Islamophobia | 10 Nov 2023 | 01:05:01 | |
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! SUPPORT US
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| E33: Gaza screams for help. Why won’t Europe listen? | 25 Oct 2023 | 01:03:46 | |
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? SUPPORT US
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| E32: Israel-Hamas: What’s happening, and what can we do? | 11 Oct 2023 | 01:03:59 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E31: Silencing voices — the war on civil liberties | 28 Sep 2023 | 00:59:06 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E30: Africa and BRICS assert themselves. What should Europe do? | 14 Sep 2023 | 01:00:02 | |
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! SUPPORT US
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| E29: Grief and anger in France: liberty, equality and fraternity for whom? | 12 Jul 2023 | 01:09:27 | |
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! SUPPORT US
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| E28: Europe’s Mediterranean graveyard – with Yanis Varoufakis, Miguel Duarte and more | 28 Jun 2023 | 01:04:07 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E27: Beyond bigotry — Why are transgender rights under attack? | 16 Jun 2023 | 01:00:49 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| How algorithms are taking control of our lives — interview with Novara Media's Craig Gent | 05 Dec 2024 | 00:32:32 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| Frontline 06: Should killing nature be a crime? | An interview with JoJo Mehta | 09 Jun 2023 | 00:57:52 | |
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. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST
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| E26: What the hell happened to Green politics? With Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and more! | 01 Jun 2023 | 01:03:39 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E25: Election update! With Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and our political candidates from Bremen | 12 May 2023 | 01:09:57 | |
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? SUPPORT US
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| E24: Is Europe a vassal of the US? With Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita, Erik Edman and more! | 19 Apr 2023 | 01:04:57 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| How to fix the housing crisis — MERA25 Talks E1 | 14 Apr 2023 | 00:47:40 | |
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! SUPPORT US
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| E23: GPT-4 and beyond - Discussing AI with Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita, Maja Pelevic and more | 07 Apr 2023 | 01:11:06 | |
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! SUPPORT US
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| E22: Housing is out of control | 23 Mar 2023 | 01:07:49 | |
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! SUPPORT US
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| E21: When privatisation kills | 16 Mar 2023 | 01:06:23 | |
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. T he 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. SUPPORT US
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| Erik Edman and Amineh Kakabaveh on Sweden, NATO, Ukraine, Iran and more! | 02 Mar 2023 | 00:18:11 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E20: A political earthquake? | 22 Feb 2023 | 00:58:34 | |
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! SUPPORT US
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| E48: Harris vs. Trump: a choice between two evils? With Yanis Varoufakis and Rania Khalek | 07 Nov 2024 | 01:01:03 | |
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! FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
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| Jeremy Corbyn on the war in Ukraine, the need for a new Non-Aligned Movement and much more | 17 Feb 2023 | 00:40:44 | |
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
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. SUPPORT US
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| E19: Ukraine: Are weapons really the way to peace? | 09 Feb 2023 | 01:11:35 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| Yanis Varoufakis on why the world needs a new Non-Aligned Movement | 02 Feb 2023 | 00:34:36 | |
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 DiEM25 co-founder 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. SUPPORT US
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| E18: The dark side of the EU | 18 Jan 2023 | 01:02:36 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| Frontline 05: Disruptive protest — an interview with Miriam Meyer from Last Generation | 12 Jan 2023 | 00:40:15 | |
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? SUPPORT US
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| E17: Xmas special! | 23 Dec 2022 | 01:05:39 | |
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! SUPPORT US
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| Frontline E04: How to build a nationwide rebellion | An interview with Simon Howard of Don’t Pay UK | 15 Dec 2022 | 00:33:22 | |
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/ SUPPORT US
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| E16: What does Elon Musk really want with Twitter? | 07 Dec 2022 | 01:04:47 | |
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! SUPPORT US
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| Frontline E03: The worker-led fightback against Amazon | An interview with Agnieszka Mróz | 30 Nov 2022 | 00:43:25 | |
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/ SUPPORT US
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| E15: This Black Friday, let’s Make Amazon Pay – with Yanis Varoufakis, Dusan Pajovic, and more | 23 Nov 2022 | 00:53:25 | |
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/ SUPPORT US
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| E47: Fortress Europe or Open Borders? The Future of Migration Policy | 23 Oct 2024 | 01:06:58 | |
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! FOLLOW THE SPEAKERS
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| E14: Chaos in the UK! with Yanis Varoufakis, Marshajane Thompson, Julia Moore, and more | 02 Nov 2022 | 01:05:12 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E13: Is this EU worth joining, or is there an alternative? | 19 Oct 2022 | 01:07:02 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| E12: Italy swings far-right with Meloni — why did this happen, and how do we fight back? | 05 Oct 2022 | 01:01:37 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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| Frontline 02: Death threats, lawfare and resistance: Fighting fracking in the Global South, with Esteban Servat | 28 Sep 2022 | 00:53:42 | |
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. SUPPORT US
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