Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily because of the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his publications and experimenting with his game theories on the nation rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's future but also the punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
