Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, he appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis had his own motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his game theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He wrote how those discussions to avoid insolvency were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's future and the punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into a further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
