Within his newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's version, he appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests that his finance chief had a personal agenda which involved promoting his publications and testing out his own game theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He wrote that the talks to avoid insolvency were “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's future but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
