In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame along with his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own economic models on Greece rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
