In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to the latter's global profile and his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which involved promoting his publications as well as testing out his game theories using the nation rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those discussions to prevent insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's future but also the punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
