Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own economic models on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He explained that those negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both the country's destiny but also the harsh cutbacks demanded in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed 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 covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
He also claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
