Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely due to his international reputation and his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests how his finance chief had a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained that those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During tense discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's destiny and those severe austerity policies required in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
