Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed his own motives that included advancing his publications and experimenting with his game theories on Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted that those negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's future but also those severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
