In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that those talks to stave off insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay both the country's future but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further wrote that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
