Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's account, he appointed that maverick economist Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of the latter's international reputation along with his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included advancing his publications as well as testing out his own economic models using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future and those punishing austerity policies required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
