In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on that chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had a personal motives that included advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models using Greece rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
He wrote how the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also the severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed that his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
