Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, he appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing his books and experimenting with his own game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
He wrote that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's future and those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
He also wrote that his confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
