Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's account, he appointed that maverick economist Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how the discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny but also the severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
