In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
He explained how the talks to avoid insolvency were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future but also those severe austerity measures required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
