In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his game theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the talks to prevent insolvency were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny and those severe cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.