Within his newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, he chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his own economic models using the nation rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future but also the harsh austerity measures required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
