Such an intelligent and articulate man, speaking in what may be his second or third language, and so warm and engaging at the same time. I agree with just about everything he says and I hope (probably forlornly) that he might stand as an MP in this country. It's hard to imagine any UK politicians with his intellectual mettle. Thank you again, Owen,
+Nathan Drake YANIS IS Awesome, omg totally even though have no idea wtf he is talking about!!!!! lol he came to the nyc library and he was almost as cool as Post Malone
If the EU can so constrict Greece's democratic rights and sovereign power, the fact that it actually has done so.. why do we wish to remain a part of it. I'm on the fence, I can see reasons for staying and reason's for leaving but my biggest reason for wanting to leave is lack of democratic accountability. We lack it already now in our own parliament. Our government is in a 5 year syphoning of public assets and resources enabled by a partisan media. The EU seems to be a cabal of big business and banks. TTip is terrifyingly undemocratic. I'm doubting the EU will change for the good.
If you're a Remainer, Yanis is the man to have on your side (and I say this as a Brexiter). Eloquent and critical of the EU in every way it should be criticised (ironically more articulate in his criticism than many Brexiters). Yanis brings nuance and intelligent challenge to the debate and that's what I find most fascinating in these times of black and white generalisations and caricatures. I see him as a force for good in Europe, and I hope his reformist ambitions are realised.
Why do people still try to silence the immigration debate by shouting racist and xenophobic, immigration in controlled numbers is a great thing and brings great value to our society, open door mass immigration of 300,000 net a year, does not.
+JoeyXII I love the fact that he thinks the National Socialists and Fascists were right wing, Fascism has and always will be just a toothpick away from communism and Marxism, just replace race with wealth and you will probably get the same thing.
+James Meow National "Socialists" and Fascists were right-wing. You love this fact. That fact is is that it's a fact. Right-wing, in its classical political meaning, is an adherence to social hierarchy and traditional forms of power. It is about domination and authority with "betters" and elites with politcal power, and the masses subordinate to them. This is why the right-wing were monarchists, traditionalists, and in the post-monarchist era -- fascists. You are nearly correct on one point. Communism, in the form the Bolsheviks created, was also authoritarian and hierarchical -- making it close to right-wing fascist ideology. Actual communism is a stateless and egalitarian society with a moneyless gift economy.
+Kropotkin2000 "Communism, in the form the Bolsheviks created, was also authoritarian and hierarchical -- making it close to right-wing fascist ideology." The Bolsheviks and the state that they established really need to be understood in their historical context: the relative economic and political backwardness of Russia at that time; the catastrophe of World War 1; the almost total collapse of the economy; and a brutal civil war combined with multiple foreign interventions. A lot of what the Bolsheviks did was forced on them by necessity. Their biggest mistake was to treat those necessities as virtues, and the failure to rectify them in the fairly narrow window of opportunity between the end of the civil war and the consolidation of Stalinist control over the party and the state. Specifically what needed to be done was to bring internal democracy back to the party, and multi-party democracy back to the soviets, and thus to democratise the state. While simultaneously rebuilding and modernising the economy, improving living standards, and guarding against counter-revolution. That's a huge task under any circumstances, and virtually impossible given the defeat of the revolution elsewhere, particularly in Germany. It's also important to acknowledge that there were major political differences within the early Bolshevik leadership. Hence why Stalin had most of them exiled, imprisoned, or killed.
As we can't trust our MP's and our media, what makes you think that I'm going to listen to one word of what you ever say? You've proved time and time again that you're not on the public's side, so we're making our own way from now on, thank you very much Owen!
Owen, as usual. an absolutely superlative interview! Please, please please Owen, can you arrange an interview with The Beast of Bolsover, the redoutable Dennis Skinner! A particular hero of mine. Oh how cruel it is that a discussion with Tony Benn is now, sadly, impossible! Love and Peace xxxxxx
+lesleyegg that is true but he is one of the most knowledgeable and well respected people in the world. I think it would be quite hard to get him on though
+lesleyegg Couldn't agree with you more. Chomsky is deeply clever, but has the worst voice for a public philosopher. Another one is John Grey - his ideas are fascinating on paper - but I can't listen to him speak for more than 30 seconds without wanting to punch the radio.
The 'Leave' campaign claims that "we do not control our borders" yet ignores the open border between the Rebublic and the North of Ireland which in the event of Brexit will become an open border between the UK and the EU. They have a simple choice; either they must drop this pretence about border control or commit to sealing this border in Ulster contrary to the wishes of the government and people either side of it. Why have they never been robustly challenged on this issue?
Yanis Varoufakis might like to give Brussels a shock and he had his opportunity and failed. I think though he is correct in his analysis of the EU and that it is on a knife edge and Brexit would tip the balance. Only where I don't agree is that we should vote to stay and try and change things from being part of it. The EU is broken, it is the lack of democratic accountability that has brought the opportunity for this referendum. Brexit is the only solution to break the EU contempt for the populous of Europe and force a meltdown. Once the EU folds and we revert back to nation states, then and only then can we create a new and more democratic alternative.
"You can rejoice as much as you like about the fact that I am no longer finance minister, not even in Parliament. But you did not ‘get rid’ of me. I am alive and kicking politically, as people in Italy remind me when I walk the streets of your beautiful country. No, what you got rid of, by participating in that dastardly coup against Alexis Tsipras and Greek democracy last July, was your own integrity as a European democrat. Possibly your soul too. Thankfully this is not irreversible. But you need to make serious amends. I cannot wait to see you return to the ranks of Europe’s democrats."
So he thinks that the EU is the preeminent embodiment of esoteric corruption and authoritative economic elitism in European society, yet he is going to great lengths to advocate against the prospect of its dissolution, thats quite contradictory logic.
What an excellent interview Owen thank you. You used the word formidable when describing Yanis Varoufakis and I think that's spot on. He certainly gives hope that change can happen within the EU.
Sorry about the phone footage at the start everyone. We didn't have time to do an intro and outro at the time as there was an event straight after the interview.
Erratic Marxism describes my economic politics pretty well too. I'd always feared I was just lacking in moral fibre, now it turns out I'm actually getting right. Thanks Yanis
Now THAT all depends on what exactly is being discussed. Whenever he starts appealing to old superstitious myths, and attempting to stretch it further than merely analogising and identifying tropes and characters, he loses me entirely. In such cases he sounds very similar to a disingenuous, religious apologists, with bald assertion, appeals to emotion and consequences and he will obfuscate, become obtuse and pretty much use every sophist trick in the book to NOT have to actually explain or even admit what he actually believes. I find this aspect to be very disappointing for an academic supposedly appealing to science, logic and rationality. I cannot make up my mind why. Does he really actually believe the bible and the preposterous stories contained within, but is reticent to actually come out and frankly and honestly state it. Or is he merely using it as a vehicle with which to appeal to the indoctrinated and feels if he admits it is merely an old book that he is using and cherry picking examples to use as teaching aids, he could well lose that large portion of his audience. Or are there alternatives I am not thinking of?
Thank you for adding high-quality subtitles. For once I could understand 100% of the interview. When he talks about meetings with the Troika, I feel ashamed of the role played by politicians of southern Europe during the negotiations.
Until today your interviews with Myrai and Jess were my real favourites. This absolutely surprised that by a massive margin. Wow. I said the same wow when he said what the memorandum of understanding to the loan was. Wow. I loath the EU because I see them as doing that to everyone, but fully understand the fear of the far right because they do have the hook into those that want rid of the EU. It is damaged more by the fact that the regressive left won't even talk about it for fear of being associated with UKIP. I was at the Boris event in Manchester tonight - tories and UKIP getting on like a house on fire - no Labour anywhere. Seriously - you and me, we should meet and talk. I think I would surprise you - though of course you know I want to spend the rest of my life with you even though you are a leftie :)
Putting together hope and reason. Okay. Hope: Not enough hope in nation states to want to see the end of the European project which ultimately ruined Greece. It could be replaced by something better? Reason: EU states have less decision making rights than colonies in the British Empire, and the grand plan is to live stream negotiations? Hardly formidable intellect.
1000 times better than the one you did with Daniel Hannan. In fact I'm still really upset with you for not asking Hannan about his comments on Fox News saying our NHS makes people sicker. The guy is an absolute disgrace...
Thank you for the fascinating interview. I've been trying to follow the Brexit debate as best I can, and I appreciate his clear explanations and examples of the fundamentally undemocratic nature of the EU. I have heard compelling arguments from both sides of the Brexit campaign regarding the proper response to that problem, but his may be the most compelling so far. I'm somewhat glad I don't live in Britain and therefore don't actually have to make a decision.
This year we could have a Prime Minister Boris Johnson, an American President Ted Cruz / Donnie Trump and a broken and shattered EU. Mummy, I don't want to play anymore. :(
***** And we would have no control whatsoever. It would be like Washington DC ruling the USA. We lose all of our Sovereignty and ability to make laws. Turks and ME in EU? I'd rather have Russia.
In reality the chief spokesman for Remain, David Cameron, resigned immediately. His chancellor George Osborne who promised us a punishment budget was booted out by the new PM and is now busy making himself very rich. GDP growth has exceeded forecasts even without Brexit, unemployment fell by 50,000 before Xmas and 32,000 a few weeks ago. Toyota is investing £240 million in one of its plants and James Dyson is spending £1.5 billion on a new science facility in Wiltshire. Mark Carney has admitted that the Bank Of England got it completely wrong and none of the American banks, who contributed half a million each to the Remain campaign, have moved staff as they said they would.
That fool should be ashamed of himself; whilst his people are starving in Greece, he is swanning around supporting the "remain" campaign... Duhh! Self vested interest Yanis; doesn't care about the people he was supposed to have served.
I'd have to say the rise of the far right is one of the reasons I voted to leave. If it didn't happen now then the desire for it would only get stronger and we'd end up with a very right wing (more so than now) Tory government OR a massive UKIP presence in Parliament, being vaguely-right-of-centre I don't particularly want that. Once we're out of the EU UKIP's really a pointless entity, they've achieved their goal and they're likely to collapse.
Good Interview. Yanis confirms why we must leave the EU, look how the Trokia dealt with him by refusing to negioate until he left the Greek Govt and they will use the same tactic against elected Government that does not toe the line. The British Left can still form alliances with Socialist Movements and Govt in Europe without being in the EU. The Rise of Fascism has taken on the form of the Trokia and ECB dictate policies on behalf of the Wealthy Elite regardless of the social and economic consequences to the rest of populations. The onging economic crisis is History repeating itself. War will follow just as before.
I know this type of comment must be annoying but FULL INTERVIEW PRETTY PLEASE would love to see your talk with Yanis in more detail Owen, fab job as always xx
I had always thought that reporters proefessionally remained neutral when interviewing. Cringing at the name of Boris Johnson is not just unprofessional but childish. Unworthy of someone who purports to be a Guardian journalist.
12:50 listen to how the eu made demands on Greece, how yanis said it is a charade.. and then tell me him and owen are not hipocrites for wanting to stay in the Eu
This idea that we should vote to stay because somehow the EU are offering social protections even though all of the major social reforms in the UK happened during the 20th century prior to 1975 before we ever joined the EU is so dangerous because even if it were true what happens if/when the EU decide to implement something we don't agree with? For the answer look at what happened to Greece when they voted against Austerity. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity on the 23rd June to properly force positve change on the EU to ensure it becomes a more democratic entity and is answerable to the people of Europe and its not by voting to stay.
Brexit is the U.K. just giving up on Europe, and claiming that ‘giving up’ is the ultimate representation of the British stiff upper lip. It is exactly the opposite. Varoufakis has the right idea: reform Europe, never give up on Europe, because it’s too important.
I find Yanis's position on EU rather strange since I've read his book, 'And the weak suffer what they must' and I can't imagine anyone voting to stay in Europe after reading that since it offers a damning indictment of the EU.
I lived through the apartheid era in my former country of south africa . We always debated whether the ruling government could be transformed from within. To their credit the south african government transformed itself( over 20 years) and did what few if any goverments have done , to hand over power in a democratic vote including their former enemies ,But I dont think the EU have the vision , the intention or the courage to reform itself so they need a wake up call in the form of brexit .
It's interesting how one of the strongest arguments against Brexit (that it would empower the far right) turned out not to have fully panned out. In the immediate aftermath it did and the Tories are more far right than they used to be (although they were moving in that direction anyway since 2015), but now UKIP have collapsed, the Tories have declined and it's quite likely Labour would lead a government after the next election, whenever it is.
Purple Leviathan I did watch it. He only wants democracy when it votes for what he wants. If it votes the other way, he wants the EU to smother it and prevent it. A disgusting hypocrite.
+rob poynter Not once did he say anything like that in the interview. You sound a little delusional. He literally said that there needs to be more democracy in the EU period. He knows that if there is more democracy you will be able to tackle the rampant economic problems throughout the European Union. Are you just mad that if there is more democracy, policies that this man favors will be implemented?
QuestionEverything No, to the contrary. The rise of the far-right, which he is so desperate to halt, is actually what more democracy will lead to in many countries..
Another reason why I'm so glad we left the EU. I admire Varoufakis, but it's very clear the EU if continued to function the way it does will be the cause of extremism when people realise the EU will not listen to them, sad really.
When did I mention that I want it to collapse? If it continues on its current trajectory; to ignore the people of Europe, it will collapse, and like you alluded to; those will be very dark days indeed. It needs to reform. I want it to reform, for the sake of Europe and its people.
It's good to hear him speak. Especially the "erratic Marxism" definition, the distance from mathematical purism and state and the locked in battle of capitalism. Partly because I am half listening while writing this! Will need to repeat view. He *looks* like an authoritarian somehow to me, in his styling. It's been hard to get past that and process the hero worship.
I don't understand Yanis. On the one hand he says that the EU has effectively ended democracy in Greece, and yet he wants Britain to vote to remain a member? Trying to reform such a corrupt institution is surely a pipe dream.
Being a natiomalist is not synonymous with being a racist. I am weary of this comparison. Nationalists simply want to help the people currently disadvantaged in their own countries as they work to create a better world for all.
Owen, thankyou for these videos I really enjoy them. I have a question though, do you have any planes to do an interview with Noam Chomsky? I would love to see that! Keep it up mate, great work!
