Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's account, he chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He explained how the negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
