In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how his finance chief had his own motives that included advancing his books as well as testing out his game theories using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's future and the severe austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also wrote how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
