In a freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he chose that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed his own motives which involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During tense discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay both Greece's future but also the severe austerity policies required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
He further claimed that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
