In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to the latter's international reputation along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his own economic models on Greece instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how the talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's future and those severe cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
