In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, he appointed the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his global profile and his highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed his own motives which included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay both the country's destiny and those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
