In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He wrote how those discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny but also the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
