In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included promoting his books and testing out his theories on Greece rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and those severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
