Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly because of the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had his own agenda that involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his game theories on Greece instead of truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's future but also the severe austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
