Within his freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely due to his global profile and his very persuasive abilities as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed a personal motives which included advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
He further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
