Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included advancing his publications and testing out his theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
He noted that the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and the severe cutbacks required in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
He further wrote how his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
