In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's account, he selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained how the talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's future and the severe austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further wrote that his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
