Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame along with his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis had a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's future but also the severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He further claimed how his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
