In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of his global profile and his very persuasive skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that his finance chief had his own motives that included advancing his books and experimenting with his own game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also those punishing cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
