In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's recollections, he selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives which included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He explained how the discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive management.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
