Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of the latter's international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
He explained how the talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's future but also the harsh cutbacks required in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
He further claimed how his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
