Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own economic models using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both the country's destiny and those harsh austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
