Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, he selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his economic models on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's destiny but also those severe austerity policies required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
