In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, he selected the maverick economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He explained how those discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
