In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's account, he appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had his own agenda that involved advancing his publications and testing out his game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny and the harsh cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
