Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of his international reputation along with his highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's future and the harsh austerity policies required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
