In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis had a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own game theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
He wrote that the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's destiny and those punishing cutbacks required in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
