Within his recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, he appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his books and testing out his game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
He wrote that those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only Greece's future but also the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
