In a freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief had a personal motives which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny but also those severe cutbacks required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
