Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's recollections, he chose that maverick economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had a personal motives that included advancing his publications as well as testing out his theories on the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also those severe cutbacks demanded in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further wrote how his confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
