Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely due to the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
He noted how those discussions to avoid insolvency became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
