In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's account, he appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had his own agenda which included advancing his books and experimenting with his own game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained that those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and the harsh austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
