In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on that chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's recollections, he selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He explained that the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's future but also those harsh austerity measures required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
