Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own motives that involved advancing his books and testing out his own theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's future and the punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
This account of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
