Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.
He noted how those talks to prevent insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny and the severe austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
