In a recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims how his finance chief had his own agenda which included promoting his books and experimenting with his own game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He noted how the talks to stave off insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's future and the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
