In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's account, he chose that maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own game theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote that the discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny and the harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
