In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his books as well as testing out his game theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
