Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included promoting his publications as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
He noted how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
He also claimed that his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
