In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected that maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included advancing his publications as well as testing out his own game theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that those discussions to prevent insolvency were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's future and the severe cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure 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 contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
