In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister largely because of his worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
He explained that the talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny and the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
