In a newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to his worldwide fame along with his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
He explained how those discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny and those harsh austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
