In a freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed a personal motives that involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his economic models on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He noted that the talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's future but also those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
