Within his newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that involved advancing his publications and testing out his own economic models on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He wrote how the discussions to stave off insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both the country's future but also the punishing austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
