Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, he selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to his international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that his finance chief had a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own economic models using Greece rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how the discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's destiny but also the punishing cutbacks required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
