In a newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own theories on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the talks to stave off insolvency became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's destiny but also the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed how his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
