In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's version, he selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to his international reputation and his very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed his own agenda which involved advancing his books and testing out his economic models using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's future but also the severe austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
He also wrote how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
