In a newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, he selected the maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved advancing his books and testing out his game theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's future but also the severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
