In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected the maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He explained how those negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's future but also those harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
