In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a star and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's future but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
