Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, he chose that maverick economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had a personal agenda which included advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own game theories using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only Greece's future and those harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
