Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile along with his very persuasive abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader suggests how his finance chief possessed his own motives which included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's future and those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
