In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he selected that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of his international reputation and his very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more of a star and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved promoting his books as well as testing out his theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
He explained how the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's future but also those severe austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
