Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed his own motives which included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's destiny but also those harsh austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
