Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's version, he chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his global profile along with his highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own game theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's destiny but also the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into a further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
