In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his global profile and his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had his own motives that involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote that the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's future and those punishing cutbacks required in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
