Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister largely because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief had a personal motives that included promoting his publications and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny but also the severe cutbacks required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
