Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, he chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to the latter's worldwide fame and his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had a personal agenda that involved promoting his books as well as testing out his own game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He explained that those discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's future but also those severe cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
