In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims how his finance chief had his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and the harsh austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
