In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, he appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his economic models on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake was both the country's future and the severe austerity measures required in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He further claimed that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
