In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly due to his worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims that his finance chief had a personal motives which involved advancing his publications as well as testing out his theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He noted that the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's future and the punishing cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
