Former Prime Minister Tsipras States Yanis Varoufakis Proved ‘Inappropriate’ for the role of Greek Treasury Chief During Debt Crisis
Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's version, he selected that maverick academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included promoting his publications and experimenting with his theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He explained how those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's future but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
