In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's account, he selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims that his finance chief had his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He wrote that the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only Greece's future and those harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
