Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's recollections, he chose that maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his economic models using the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how the negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's future but also those punishing cutbacks required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He also claimed how his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
