In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to his global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had a personal motives that involved advancing his books as well as testing out his own game theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He wrote that the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's future and the harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
