Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's account, he appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's destiny but also the punishing austerity policies required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, those punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
