Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, he appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that his finance chief had his own agenda that included advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his own theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the talks to avoid insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's future and the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that 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 covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
