Within his freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to the latter's global profile along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his economic models using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He explained that those negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's future but also those severe austerity policies required in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
