Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories on Greece instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted that those talks to avoid insolvency were “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile discussions, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's future but also the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
