In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had his own agenda that included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
