Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief had a personal agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his economic models using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
He wrote how those talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
