🔗 Share this article

Within his recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to his global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a speaker.

“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included advancing his books and testing out his theories on Greece rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras wrote how those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

At stake lay not only Greece's future but also the severe austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

He also wrote how his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.