Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's destiny and those punishing cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
