In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved promoting his publications as well as testing out his game theories on the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
He wrote how the discussions to avoid insolvency were “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny and the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
He further claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
