Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own economic models on the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay both the country's future but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
