Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's account, he appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of the latter's international reputation and his highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how those negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's future but also those severe austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
