In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to his worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed his own agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own game theories using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that those talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's future but also the punishing austerity policies required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
