In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed his own agenda which involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his own economic models using Greece instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained how the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's future but also those harsh cutbacks demanded in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed that his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
