Within his newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, he selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had a personal motives that involved advancing his books as well as testing out his own theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how the talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's destiny but also the severe cutbacks required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
