In a freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved promoting his books and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that those discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay not only the country's future but also those severe austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
