In a newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, he selected the maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had his own motives which included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He explained how those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's future and those harsh cutbacks required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote how his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
