In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, he appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame and his very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had his own agenda which included promoting his publications as well as testing out his game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's destiny and the severe austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”
He also claimed how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
