In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
He noted that the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay both Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
