Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's version, he appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to his international reputation along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He wrote that the talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's future but also those punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
