Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis is to advise the Labour party, Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed.
Mr Varoufakis led Greece’s negotiating team with its creditors in the early days of the leftist Syriza government.
The motorcycle-riding economist, who stepped down from his chief negotiator post in dramatic fashion – now spends his time campaigning for democratic reform of the European Union.
“Varoufakis is interesting because he has obviously been through all the negotiations [with Greece’s creditors,” Mr Corbyn told his local newspaper the Islington Tribune.
“I think the way Greece has been treated is terrible and we should reach out to them.
“I realise we're not in the eurozone, but it's a question of understanding how we challenge the notion that you can cut your way to prosperity when, in reality, you have to grow your way to prosperity.
“So all our emphasis and work and campaigning is about an expanding economy and investing in an expanding economy.”
He added that Mr Varoufakis would advise Labour “in some capacity”.
In an article posted on Friday, Mr Varoufakis said Greece’s problems were not a compelling reason for Britain to leave the European Union.
He said that though Greece’s treatment was evidence that the EU was “governed in an authoritarian, irrational and anti-democratic manner” but that Britain should “vote to stay in the EU in order to confront the EU institutions from within”.
The Greek economist, who has previously taught economics at the universities of Cambridge, East Anglia, and Essex, was notable by his absence from Labour’s council of economic advisors announced last year.
That economic advisory panel, drawn up by shadow chancellor John McDonnell, included other key names such as Joseph Stiglitz, Mariana Mazzucato, and Thomas Pikketty.
Mr Varoufakis has previously described himself as an “erratic Marxist” and has also advised the videogames developer Valve on economics.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments