Within his newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, he appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims that his finance chief had a personal motives which included promoting his books and testing out his economic models on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that those negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny and the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
