Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's account, he selected the maverick academic Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own motives that included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own game theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He explained that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's future but also those harsh cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He further wrote how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
