Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how the negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
He also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
