Within his recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that maverick economist Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame and his highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those talks to avoid insolvency were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was not only Greece's destiny and the harsh cutbacks required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He further claimed how his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
