Within his newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to his international reputation along with his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“He was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis had a personal motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own game theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.
He noted how those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future but also those harsh austerity policies required in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of events has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
