In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's account, he appointed the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to the latter's global profile along with his very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief had a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his game theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He explained how the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's future and the harsh cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
