Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He wrote that the negotiations to stave off insolvency were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only Greece's future but also the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
He also claimed how his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
