Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing his publications and experimenting with his economic models using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
He explained how the negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's future but also those harsh austerity measures required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
