Within his recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's account, he chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to his global profile and his “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis had his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how the talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and those punishing cutbacks required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
