Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved advancing his publications and testing out his economic models using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's future but also the punishing cutbacks required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
