In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to his international reputation along with his highly compelling abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own motives that included advancing his books and testing out his own game theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted that those talks to prevent insolvency were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's future and those harsh austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
