Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had his own agenda that involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He explained how the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's future but also the severe austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed that his aggressive approach made 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 and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
