In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling abilities as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his game theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
He wrote how those negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's future but also the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
