Within his recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had his own agenda that included promoting his publications as well as testing out his own game theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, the country came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's future but also the harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
