Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, he appointed that maverick economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the talks to stave off insolvency were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay both Greece's future but also the severe austerity measures required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
