Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, he selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
He noted how those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
