Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, he chose the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of his worldwide fame and his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed his own motives that involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his own theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He noted that those negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future and the severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
