Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved promoting his books as well as testing out his own game theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
He noted that the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's future but also the harsh austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
