In a recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own motives that involved advancing his publications and testing out his own economic models on Greece instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He noted that the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's destiny and the severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
