In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his own game theories using Greece instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future and the severe austerity measures required in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
