In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that his finance chief had a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that the talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future and those punishing austerity measures required in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man 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 that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
