Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily due to his global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his own game theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He noted that the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay both the country's destiny and the harsh austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
