In a newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, he selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay both the country's destiny and the severe austerity measures required in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
