Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He explained that those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay both Greece's destiny but also those severe cutbacks required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
