In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own game theories on Greece instead of truly advocating its economic stability.
He explained how those negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
