Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's version, he appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He noted how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future and the harsh austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
