Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, he selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had a personal agenda that involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his economic models on the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He noted how the talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's future and those severe austerity measures required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
He also wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
