Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that his finance chief had a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his economic models using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
He noted that those negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's future and those punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
