Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed his own motives that involved advancing his publications as well as testing out his own game theories using the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.
He wrote that the talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's future but also the punishing austerity policies required in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
