In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
He explained that those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay both the country's future and the punishing austerity policies required in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
