Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's recollections, he selected that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly because of the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved advancing his publications and testing out his own theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During tense negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's destiny but also the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
He further wrote how his confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
