In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved advancing his publications as well as testing out his theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how the discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity policies demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
