In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to his global profile and his highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
He wrote that the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During tense discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's future and those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
