Within his recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's version, he chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily because of his global profile and his highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included advancing his books and experimenting with his game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He noted how the talks to avoid insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's future and the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
