In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed his own motives that included promoting his publications and testing out his theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake was both the country's destiny and the punishing austerity policies required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
