Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved advancing his books as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He explained that those talks to avoid insolvency became “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's future and the severe austerity policies required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
