Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims how his finance chief had a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his economic models using the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's future and those severe austerity measures required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
