In a newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's version, he selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his economic models on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He noted that those talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny and the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
