Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile and his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
He explained how those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only the country's future and those punishing austerity policies required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote that his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
