In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to his international reputation and his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had his own agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He explained that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's destiny but also the harsh austerity policies required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
