In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's account, he selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame along with his highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's future but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
