In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, he appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He wrote that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's future but also those harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
