In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's recollections, he chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had his own motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras explained that those talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and the punishing cutbacks required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
