Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's future and the harsh austerity policies required in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
