In a freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his theories on Greece instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
He noted that the talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During volatile discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny and the severe cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
