In a recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's version, he appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to his global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his own economic models on the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
He noted how those negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and those severe cutbacks demanded in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
