Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's version, he appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his own economic models using Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both the country's destiny but also those harsh austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
