In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also the severe cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
