Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to his global profile along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his own theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
He wrote that those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay both Greece's future but also the harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
