In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to his international reputation along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved advancing his books as well as testing out his game theories using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both the country's destiny and those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
