In a newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's recollections, he selected the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved promoting his publications and experimenting with his game theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He wrote that the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's future and those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”
He further wrote that his confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
