Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his worldwide fame along with his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved promoting his books and testing out his own game theories on Greece rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay not only Greece's future but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
