Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's account, he appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame and his very persuasive skills as a communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief had a personal motives which included promoting his publications as well as testing out his own theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those talks to avoid insolvency became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity policies required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
