Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had his own motives that involved promoting his publications as well as testing out his own theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to avoid insolvency became “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's destiny and those severe cutbacks demanded in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
