Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had his own motives that included promoting his books and testing out his economic models using Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and those severe austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
