Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's account, he selected that maverick economist Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of his global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that the talks to prevent insolvency were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay both the country's destiny and the punishing austerity policies required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further wrote that his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
