Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included promoting his publications as well as testing out his own economic models on Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.
He noted how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny and the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
