In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling abilities as a communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had a personal motives which included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He noted that the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay not only the country's future and those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
