Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included promoting his books and experimenting with his own economic models on Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and those harsh austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He also wrote that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
