Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's account, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his economic models on the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's future but also the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
