In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to his international reputation along with his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had his own agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own game theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
He wrote that those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only Greece's future but also those harsh austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote how his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
