In a newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a communicator.
“He was, actually, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing his books and testing out his own theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He explained that the talks to avoid insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake was both the country's destiny but also those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
