In a newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis had a personal motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He noted how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny but also the severe cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
