Within his newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a star and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
He explained how the talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and those punishing cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He further claimed how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
