In a freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his own theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote how those talks to prevent insolvency were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out 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 man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also wrote how his confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
