In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny and the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He further wrote that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
