Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's account, he appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed his own agenda which included promoting his books and experimenting with his game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
He noted that those negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only the country's future and those severe austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
