In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to his global profile along with his highly compelling abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed his own agenda which included advancing his books and testing out his theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted that those negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's future and those severe cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
