Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his international reputation along with his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal agenda that involved promoting his books as well as testing out his game theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's future and those harsh cutbacks required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
