Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives which included promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's destiny and the severe austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
