Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on that chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation and his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims that his finance chief had a personal motives that involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote how the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
