Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly due to the latter's global profile and his very persuasive skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras noted that those discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only the country's future but also those punishing austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
