In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's version, he appointed the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's future and those harsh cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
