In a newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his global profile and his highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a star and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.
He noted that those negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future and those punishing cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, the punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
