Within his recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily due to the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives which involved advancing his books as well as testing out his game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay both the country's future but also those severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
