In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's recollections, he selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to his global profile along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had his own motives that involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his own theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny and those punishing cutbacks demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote how his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
