Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, he selected that maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained how the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only Greece's future but also the severe austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also wrote that his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
