In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that his finance chief had a personal agenda that included promoting his books as well as testing out his game theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He explained how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
He further claimed how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
