Former Prime Minister Tsipras Claims Varoufakis Proved ‘Unsuitable’ as Greek Treasury Chief Amid Debt Crisis
Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's recollections, he selected the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to the latter's global profile and his highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved advancing his books as well as testing out his own economic models using the nation rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that those negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's destiny but also the punishing cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
