Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, he selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed his own agenda that involved advancing his books and experimenting with his game theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
He explained that the negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's future but also the harsh austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
