Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of the latter's international reputation and his highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had his own agenda that involved promoting his publications as well as testing out his game theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
He wrote that those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile negotiations, Greece came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
