Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included advancing his publications and testing out his own game theories on Greece instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to prevent insolvency were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and those severe austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
