In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on that chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's account, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that his finance chief had a personal agenda which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
He wrote that those discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay both the country's future and the punishing austerity measures required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed how his confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
