In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, he selected the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay both Greece's future and the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
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 was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed that his confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
