Within his recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his theories on the nation rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
He noted how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's future but also the punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
