Within his recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's recollections, he chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had his own motives that included advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
He explained that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's destiny but also those severe austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
