In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had his own motives that involved promoting his publications and experimenting with his own game theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
He noted that the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's future and the severe austerity measures required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
