Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's version, he appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests how his finance chief had his own agenda that included advancing his books and experimenting with his game theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
He wrote that those talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay both the country's future but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
