Within his newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of his worldwide fame along with his highly compelling abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing his books and testing out his theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He noted that those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay not only Greece's future and those punishing cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
