Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of his global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives which included advancing his books and testing out his own theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
He wrote that those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future and the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further wrote that his confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
