In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame and his highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He noted that the talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny but also those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
