In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation and his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which involved advancing his books as well as testing out his theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He noted how the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's destiny but also those severe cutbacks required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
