Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also the severe austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
