Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, he selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of his global profile along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his economic models on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's future but also those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
