In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to his international reputation along with his very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives that included promoting his books and testing out his own game theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's destiny and those harsh cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
