In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, he selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models using Greece instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He noted that those discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's future but also those severe cutbacks required in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He further claimed how his confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
