Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of his international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how the talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future but also those severe austerity measures required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate 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 Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
