Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's recollections, he appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how his finance chief had his own motives which involved advancing his publications as well as testing out his theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.
He noted that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's destiny and those punishing cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
