In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to his international reputation and his highly compelling skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his economic models on Greece rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
