In a freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's destiny but also those severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
He further claimed how his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
