In a newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's recollections, he selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
He wrote that those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During volatile discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
He further claimed how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
