Within his newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests that his finance chief had a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He noted that those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's future but also those punishing austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote how his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
