In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's account, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own economic models using Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also those severe cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
