In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's version, he appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had his own motives that included advancing his books as well as testing out his own theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
He noted how those talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also those harsh cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
