In a newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had a personal agenda that included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his own theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how the talks to stave off insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny and those harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
