In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's account, he selected the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that his finance chief had a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his economic models on Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He explained how those negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's future but also those severe austerity policies required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
This account of events has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
