In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly due to his international reputation and his highly compelling skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting his publications and testing out his own theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He noted that those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and those severe austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
