Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's version, he selected that maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how Varoufakis had his own agenda that included advancing his publications as well as testing out his game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He noted how the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny and those severe austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
He further wrote that his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
