Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had his own agenda which included advancing his books as well as testing out his own game theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only the country's future but also those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
