In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's version, he chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame along with his highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges that his finance chief had a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own economic models using Greece instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
He wrote that those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's future and the harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
