In a recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's future but also the punishing cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
