Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that included promoting his books as well as testing out his own economic models on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to avoid insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny but also the punishing austerity measures required in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
