In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, he appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of the latter's global profile and his highly compelling skills as a communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved advancing his publications and testing out his own theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote how those discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's future and the severe austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”
He also claimed how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
