In a recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests how his finance chief possessed his own motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how the talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny and the harsh austerity policies required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He further claimed how his confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
