Within his recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that his finance chief had his own agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his theories using the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.
He wrote that the talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was not only Greece's future but also those punishing austerity measures required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed that his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
