In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's recollections, he selected that maverick economist Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly because of the latter's global profile along with his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how the discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's future and the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He further wrote how his confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
