Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included advancing his books and experimenting with his game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
He explained how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's future but also the punishing cutbacks required in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
