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Greece's ex-finance minister Varoufakis charged over use of dance drug ecstasy decades ago
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 26, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 26, 2026
Tags:Economy
Quick Summary
Greece charged ex-finance minister Yanis Varoufakis with promoting drug use after he admitted trying ecstasy in 1989 on a podcast. MeRA25 calls the move political. A court appearance is slated for December 2026.
Greece's Ex-Finance Chief Varoufakis Charged Over Ecstasy Use Decades Ago
Charges and Political Context
ATHENS, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Greece's former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, a self-declared "erratic" Marxist, has been charged with promoting drug use after he publicly admitted to having popped an ecstasy pill nearly four decades ago, his party said.
What Varoufakis Admitted
The economics professor, who infuriated euro zone partners with his unconventional style and lectures during bailout negotiations at the peak of Greece's debt crisis in 2015, said he had once tried ecstasy or MDMA - a drug commonly associated with dance parties and raves - in Australia in 1989.
"It was a terrific experience until the days after," he said during the podcast "3026: Human Algorithm", adding that he was able to dance for hours but then suffered migraines.
He also said he had smoked marijuana in the past.
Court Date and Proceedings
Varoufakis, now secretary of the small leftist party Mera25, is due to appear in court in December.
Reuters could not immediately reach the 64-year-old for comment.
Mera25's Response
His party issued a statement accusing Greece's conservative government of seeking to silence Varoufakis through the courts.
"The idea of a political party leader standing trial for referring to his experience with substances many decades ago is not a random and innocent blunder," Mera25 said.
Addiction and Judiciary Debate
"We will not remain silent. Neither about the provocative manipulation of the judiciary nor about the major problem of addiction."
Reporting and Credits
(Reporting by Renee MaltezouEditing by Gareth Jones)
Key Takeaways
- •Greece has charged former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis with promoting drug use after he discussed trying ecstasy in 1989.
- •He described the MDMA experience on a podcast and noted severe migraines afterward; he also acknowledged past marijuana use.
- •Varoufakis is expected to appear in court in December 2026.
- •His party, MeRA25, accuses the conservative government of silencing dissent through the courts.
- •Varoufakis remains a prominent figure in Greek politics after his 2015 role in bailout talks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Greece's ex-finance minister Varoufakis charged over use of dance drug ecstasy decades ago
1What is the main topic?
Greece has charged former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis with promoting drug use after he said he tried ecstasy in 1989. The case has drawn political reaction from his party, MeRA25.
2Why was Varoufakis charged?
Authorities are pursuing a case related to the alleged promotion or advertising of narcotics following his podcast remarks. The controversy centers on whether recounting past personal use constitutes incitement.
3When will Varoufakis appear in court?
He is due to appear in court in December 2026, according to his party’s statement and subsequent reports.
