In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a personality and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's future but also those harsh austerity measures required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
