In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected that maverick academic Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation and his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included promoting his books and experimenting with his economic models using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further wrote that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
