Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, he selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of his global profile and his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had his own motives that involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his game theories using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
