Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, he chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis had a personal motives that included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
He explained that those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's future but also those harsh austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
He further wrote that his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
