Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he selected that maverick economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests how his finance chief had his own motives which included promoting his books as well as testing out his theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's future but also the harsh austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed how his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
