Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of his global profile along with his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges how his finance chief had his own motives that involved promoting his books and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He noted that those discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
