Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's account, he appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models using Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote how those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's destiny but also those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
