In a newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to his worldwide fame and his very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had his own agenda that involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his game theories on Greece rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras noted that those negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During volatile discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny and those harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
