In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own economic models on Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.
He explained that the talks to prevent insolvency were “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's destiny and the severe austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
