In a newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a communicator.
“He was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis had a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
He wrote that the discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's future but also those harsh cutbacks required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He further claimed how his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
