Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
He wrote that those negotiations to stave off insolvency were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay both the country's destiny and those harsh cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
