Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's version, he chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame and his highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his game theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
He wrote how those talks to stave off insolvency were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's future but also those punishing cutbacks required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He also wrote how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
