Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame along with his very persuasive skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader suggests that his finance chief had a personal agenda which included advancing his books and experimenting with his own economic models on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted that those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, those punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
