In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister largely because of the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included promoting his books as well as testing out his own game theories on Greece rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
He noted that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
