Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's future and those severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
