In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a communicator.
“He was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras noted how the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's destiny but also the severe cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
