Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more like a star and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed his own motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his economic models using the nation rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
He explained how the negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and the harsh austerity policies required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
