Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, he appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his theories on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's future and the punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He also wrote how his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
