Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis had his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his game theories using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote that the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay not only the country's future but also those harsh cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
He also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
