Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's destiny and those punishing austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
