Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's recollections, he selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing his books as well as testing out his own theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that those negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both the country's future but also the severe austerity policies required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote how his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
