Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's version, he appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame and his highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny and the severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”
He further claimed how his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
