Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily because of the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included advancing his books and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
He noted how the talks to prevent insolvency became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's destiny and those severe austerity policies required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He further claimed how his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
