In a newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, he chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile and his “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
He wrote how the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's future but also those harsh austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”
He further claimed that his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
