In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges how his finance chief had his own agenda which involved promoting his books and experimenting with his theories on the nation instead of truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's future but also the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
He also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
