In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to his global profile along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed his own motives that involved promoting his books and experimenting with his own theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
He noted that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
