In a recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of his international reputation along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that his finance chief had a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that those talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's destiny and the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
