Yanis Varoufakis

The controversial left-wing politician and leader of the MeRA25 party said he had tried ecstasy in Australia in 1989 but was discouraged from doing so again after it caused a week-long migraine.

He also said he had previously smoked cannabis, later saying he was “determined not to do a Bill Clinton”, who famously claimed he “hadn’t inhaled”.

Varoufakis has now been charged with offences under Greek legislation banning the promotion of illegal drug use, according to reports.

In a statement, MeRA25 — whose name means the European Realistic Disobedience Front — said the Greek justice system had taken a “dangerous” stance.

“The idea of putting a party leader on trial for talking about his experiences with substances many decades ago is not an accidental, innocent gaffe,” it said.

“It is a message from a judiciary that closes its eyes to those in power and goes after whoever refuses to bend the knee.”