In a freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation along with his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed his own motives which involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He noted that the negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny but also the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”
He also wrote that his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
