Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's destiny and those harsh austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
