Within his recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's account, he chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those discussions to prevent insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's future and the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
