Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed his own agenda that included advancing his books as well as testing out his own game theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He explained how those discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay not only the country's future and those harsh cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
