In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief had his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own theories using the nation rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and those punishing cutbacks demanded in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
