Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's version, he appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his economic models on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's destiny but also the harsh cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
