Within his newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's recollections, he selected the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely due to the latter's global profile and his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's destiny and the harsh austerity measures required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed how his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
