In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his economic models on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He explained how the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's future and those severe austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
