Within his newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of his global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a star and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief had a personal agenda which included promoting his books and testing out his own economic models using the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay not only the country's future and those harsh cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
