In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own motives which included promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
He wrote that the talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake was both the country's future and the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
