Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's recollections, he selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his global profile along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that included advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his economic models on Greece instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He wrote how those discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He also wrote that his confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
