In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, he chose that maverick economist Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to his global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He wrote how those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
