Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, he appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that involved advancing his publications as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's future and the harsh cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
