Within his newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of his global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had his own agenda that included promoting his books and testing out his own theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
