In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his books as well as testing out his game theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained that those talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny and the punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”
He further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
