Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head largely due to the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both the country's future and those severe austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He further wrote how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
