Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting his publications as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future but also those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis 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.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
He further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
