Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims how Varoufakis had a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his economic models on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He explained that the negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
He also wrote how his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
