In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
He noted that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny but also the severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
