In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, he chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his economic models using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote that those negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's future but also the severe austerity policies required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
