Within his recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's account, he selected that maverick academic Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, in reality, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories on Greece rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
He wrote how the talks to prevent insolvency became “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense discussions, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay both the country's future and those severe austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
