In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's version, he chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame and his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges how his finance chief had his own motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's destiny but also those severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
