In a newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included advancing his books and experimenting with his own theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras noted that those negotiations to stave off insolvency were “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
