Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to his global profile and his “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own agenda which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras explained that those discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay both the country's destiny but also the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He further wrote how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
