Within his newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, he appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a star and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his game theories on Greece rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that those negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future but also those harsh cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further wrote how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
