Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed his own agenda that included advancing his books and experimenting with his economic models using Greece instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's destiny but also the punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
