In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his game theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's future and the severe cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He also claimed how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
