In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's account, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He explained that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's destiny and those severe cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
He also claimed that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
