Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved advancing his publications as well as testing out his own theories using Greece instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and the harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
