In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, he chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his economic models using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's destiny but also the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
