Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected the maverick academic Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to the latter's global profile and his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his economic models using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
He explained how those negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay both the country's destiny but also the severe cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
