In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of his international reputation along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own game theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He explained how the talks to stave off insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's future but also those punishing austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
