In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.
“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his economic models on the nation rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
He explained that the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
