Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included promoting his books and testing out his economic models using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He wrote that the talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's destiny but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
