Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges that his finance chief had a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
