Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, he appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to his international reputation and his “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed his own motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his theories using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's future and those harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
