Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on that chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had a personal agenda that involved promoting his books as well as testing out his theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's destiny and those severe austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
