Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges that his finance chief had his own agenda that involved advancing his publications as well as testing out his theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
He noted that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also the harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
