In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's account, he selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of the latter's international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives which involved promoting his publications and testing out his own game theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's future and those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM 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 publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.