In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's account, he appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of his global profile along with his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny and those severe cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
He also claimed how his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
