Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister largely because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He noted that those discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
He further claimed how his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
