In a recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, he appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on the nation rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's destiny and the harsh austerity policies required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
