In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's recollections, he selected that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily due to the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted that the talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
