In a recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines that chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, he selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had a personal motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's destiny but also the severe austerity policies required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
He also wrote that his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
