Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed his own agenda which included promoting his publications and testing out his theories on Greece instead of truly advocating its financial survival.
He explained that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay not only Greece's future and the severe austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
