In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges that his finance chief had his own agenda which involved promoting his publications and experimenting with his theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the negotiations to stave off insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay both Greece's destiny but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
