Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he selected the maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own game theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
