Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his global profile along with his highly compelling abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed a personal motives which included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his game theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's future but also the severe austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
