Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, he selected the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
He wrote how those talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay both Greece's future and the harsh cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
