In a newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories on the nation rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
