In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, he selected the maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile along with his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that included advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his theories using Greece instead of truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that the talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny but also those punishing cutbacks required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
