In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed his own motives that involved promoting his books and experimenting with his theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that those talks to avoid insolvency were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's future but also the punishing austerity measures required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed that his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
