Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims how his finance chief had his own motives that included advancing his publications as well as testing out his theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how the talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future and those harsh austerity policies demanded in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
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 negotiate a bailout package from creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
