Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of his global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved promoting his books and testing out his own theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He noted how the negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
