Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected that maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of his global profile along with his highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories on Greece instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
