Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to his international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included promoting his books and testing out his theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity policies required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
He also wrote how his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
