In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of his global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He explained that the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only Greece's destiny and those severe austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
