Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny and those severe austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He also claimed how his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
