In a newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own economic models on the nation rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that those talks to stave off insolvency became “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's destiny and those punishing austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
