In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, he selected the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a star and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader suggests how his finance chief had a personal motives which involved promoting his books and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He noted how those talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's destiny and the harsh austerity measures required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
