In a recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's recollections, he selected that maverick academic Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own economic models on Greece instead of truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that those talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's future and those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”
He further wrote how his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
