Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He noted that the talks to avoid insolvency became “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only Greece's future but also those harsh austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
