In a newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how those talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
He also wrote that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
