Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he chose that maverick economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to his international reputation and his “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models using the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote that the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
