In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's recollections, he chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly due to the latter's global profile and his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his own game theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He explained that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's destiny and those harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
