Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed his own motives which included advancing his publications as well as testing out his theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that those discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny and those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
