Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed his own agenda which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his own theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
He noted that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
