Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed his own motives that involved promoting his books as well as testing out his own economic models using the nation rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how the talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future but also those harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure 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 proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
