In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, he appointed the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that those negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's future but also those harsh cutbacks required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
