Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to his worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that his finance chief had his own agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own game theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into a further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
