In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis had his own agenda that involved promoting his publications as well as testing out his game theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's destiny and the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
