Within his newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a star and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included promoting his books and testing out his own economic models on the nation rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny but also the harsh austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
