Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, he selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his economic models on Greece rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
He noted how those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's future but also the harsh cutbacks required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further wrote how his confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
