In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame along with his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had his own motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that those talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's future but also the punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
