Within his freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his own economic models using Greece instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained that those talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
