Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's account, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of his international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
