Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his international reputation and his “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own motives that involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both the country's destiny but also the harsh cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The 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 regarding these claims.
