In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed his own motives which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his economic models on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He explained how the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's future and those punishing cutbacks required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
