In a recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly due to his global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his economic models using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He explained that those negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity policies required in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
