In a newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his game theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He explained how the talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay not only Greece's future but also those severe cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
