In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He noted how those talks to stave off insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
