Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his game theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
He noted how the discussions to prevent insolvency were “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's destiny but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
