In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved promoting his publications and experimenting with his game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
He noted that the discussions to stave off insolvency became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's future and the severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
