In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's recollections, he appointed the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a public orator.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed his own 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.
Tsipras noted how the negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny but also the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
