In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's version, he chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had his own agenda which involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own game theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He explained that those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
