In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to the latter's international reputation and his “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis had his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own game theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He explained how the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake was both the country's destiny but also the punishing austerity policies required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
