In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
