Within his freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on that chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
He wrote how those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile discussions, Greece came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's future and the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
