Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of his global profile along with his highly compelling abilities as a communicator.
“He was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his own game theories using the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
