In a freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's version, he selected the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly because of the latter's international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed his own agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
He wrote that those talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
