Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's account, he selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, in reality, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that his finance chief had a personal agenda that involved promoting his books and experimenting with his own theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote how those talks to prevent insolvency were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also the severe cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
