Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of his international reputation and his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved promoting his books as well as testing out his own theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those talks to prevent insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and the severe austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.