In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's account, he chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that those discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's future but also those harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
