Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.
He wrote that those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future and the severe austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
He further claimed how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
