In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame and his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained how the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's destiny but also those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
