Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a star and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included advancing his books as well as testing out his own game theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During volatile negotiations, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's future and those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
