Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief had a personal motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his economic models using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
He explained how the talks to prevent insolvency became “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's future and those harsh cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
