Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister largely because of his worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved promoting his publications as well as testing out his theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
He explained that the talks to stave off insolvency were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and the punishing austerity policies required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
He also wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
