In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to his international reputation and his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own economic models on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote how the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's future and those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
