Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of his worldwide fame along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had his own agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those talks to prevent insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny but also the punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
