Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's version, he selected that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“He was, actually, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included advancing his publications and experimenting with his own game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that those discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's future but also those harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
