Within his freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had his own motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and those severe austerity policies demanded in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
