In a recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of his global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his economic models using the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He explained how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's future but also the harsh cutbacks required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
