In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, he chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to his international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved promoting his books and testing out his own economic models on the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny but also the punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
