In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own theories on the nation rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
He noted how those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also the punishing austerity policies required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”
He also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
