Within his freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a communicator.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote how those negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also those harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed that his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
