Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame and his very persuasive skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his game theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay both the country's destiny and the punishing cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
