Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, he selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of his global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included promoting his publications as well as testing out his theories on the nation rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
He wrote that those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
