Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had a personal agenda that involved advancing his publications and testing out his own theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted that those discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's future but also those punishing austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
