Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, he chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation and his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims how his finance chief had his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During tense discussions, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's destiny and the severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
