Within his freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to the latter's global profile and his highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting his publications as well as testing out his own game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's future but also those punishing cutbacks required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, those punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
