In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's recollections, he appointed the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how those discussions to prevent insolvency were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
