Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's recollections, he appointed the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile and his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims that his finance chief had a personal agenda which involved advancing his books and experimenting with his own theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's destiny and the severe austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
