In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which involved advancing his books and testing out his own game theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how the talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's future but also the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed that his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
