Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his global profile and his highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own economic models on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
He wrote how the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's future but also the severe austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote how his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
