In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included advancing his publications as well as testing out his game theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
He wrote how the negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both the country's destiny and the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
